Interactive medication container labeling

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to the dispensing, creation, and selecting of memory devices that are used with interactive medication containers, dispensers, reminders, or consoles that hold or otherwise organize one or more medication vials or containers. The memory device is attached or adhered to a medication container or vial and has information corresponding to medication and prescription information. The memory device can be prepared when a standard medication label is printed by a pharmacist and can be part of the standard printed label. In other instances the memory device is separate from the medication label. When separate, the memory device has a printed section that identifies the dosing schedule or medication name that corresponds to the reminder schedule the memory device is associated with. The pharmacist or the customer/patient can match the text printed on the memory device with the text of the medical container label to ensure the memory device is only attached to the correct medication container.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/253,963 which was filed on Sep. 24, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,715,277and is entitled “Interactive Medication Container” which was acontinuation in part of Ser. No. 09/832,770 which was filed on Apr. 11,2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,978,564 and is entitled “Interactive MedicationContainer” and which was a continuation in part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/185,132 which was filed on Nov. 3, 1998 now U.S.Pat. No. 6,098,356 and is entitled “Multi-vial Medication Organizer andDispenser” and which was a continuation in part of Ser. No. 08/832,613which was on Mar. 28, 1997 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,852,590 entitled“Interactive Label for Medication Containers and Dispensers” whichissued on Dec. 22, 1998. Each of the above references are incorporatedherein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are over a hundred million Americans who consume prescribedmedication on a regular basis. There are many others that consumeself-prescribed “over the counter” medications or nutraceuticals, e.g.vitamins or herbal abstracts, on a daily basis. Furthermore, there hasbeen discussion that the FDA may reclassify certain long-termmedications that now require a prescription to become self-prescribed aswell. Many people also use a variety of other medical products at homeas part of a long term therapy or treatment, e.g. glucometers, bloodpressure devices, urinary catheters, and others. In general whethermedication that is consumed or a device that is used will be referred toas medical devices.

Whether prescribed or not there is substantial concern among pharmacycustomers that they consume and use medical products in accordance toeither their physician's orders or their own self-directed regimens.Customers want the beneficial affects from consuming these products on adaily (or otherwise) basis, but the also don't want to over consume amedical product exposing themselves to potential dangers. The difficultycustomers have in maintaining a rigid adherence to product consumptionregimens is well known. “Have I already taken the product or did Iforget” is a common question. The customer is left with two choices,consume the product now and possibly double dose or do not consume itand possibly be denied the beneficial aspects of the product.

Previous patents have described a technology that is based on the use amemory tag or device that is placed on a mediation container. The memorydevice includes information or codes related the prescribed or desireddosing regimen for a customer. A reminder device at the customer's homereads information stored in the memory of the memory device and uses theinformation to remind him when it is time to consume medication (e.g. byactivating an indicator). The reminder device may instead provide thecustomer information about the medication and how to consume or use it.

While it is clear that this technology works well for medication, it canalso be used to alert the customer when and how to consume or usemedical products in general. However, the technology requires eachcontainer holding a medical product (or the medical product itself),that the customer is to consume or otherwise use, have a memory tagattached to it. These tags can be in the form of a RFID tag, a memorystrip with electrical contacts, or a bar code that can be readwirelessly. The tags must be either programmed or printed with theappropriate dosing regimen either ordered by a physician or selected bythe customer.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,061,831 describes a system used by a pharmacist todeliver medication in containers that have memory tags placed on themand programmed with a medication dosing regimen. However, with theincreasing number of prescriptions being filled each year, pharmacistsmay not have enough time to program memory tags on medicationcontainers. Furthermore, it is felt that pharmacists do not have thetime or do not want to get involved with creating memory devices fornon-prescribed medical products.

Another concern is that many medical products or containers holding themare packaged in an overwrap, box, or carton that is not to be removeduntil after the customer has purchased the product and left the store.This makes it unlikely that the pharmacist or the customer can apply amemory device to medical product or container in the pharmacy.

To use memory device technology to assist customers in consuming medicalproducts requires the introduction of a convenient system for providingcustomers with properly programmed memory devices that either reflectthe physician's order and/or the customer's preferences.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To overcome these problems and others memory tag or memory devicetechnology can be used with a reminder device, dispenser, or system toalert a patient when to consume medication or use a medical device.However to make dispensing of the memory devices with medicationconvenient the pharmacist can program or write to the memory deviceusing a printer station, the pharmacist can select a preprogrammedmemory device with a set dosing schedule that matches the physicianprescribed dosing regimen, or select a memory device with apreprogrammed unique serial number and link the dosing regimen and theserial number in a database that can be accessed by a reminder device.In each case the pharmacist must attach the memory device to theappropriate medication container or medical device or the pharmacist canprovide the memory device to the patient to attach or adhere to thecorrect medical container at a later time.

However, it is critically important to ensure that the each memorydevice is attached to the correct medication container. One way toensure this is to have the medical label that is adhered to eachmedication container include the memory device so that they cannot beseparated. However, this may not always be convenient, for example forcustomer purchased “over the counter” medications or nutraceuticals,where no medication label is prepared by the pharmacist for the patient.

An alternate is for the pharmacist to select a memory device that ispreprogrammed for a specific dosing regimen, for example 1 pill once aday. The memory device can be releaseably attached to a card with thedosing schedule printed on the card and on the memory device. Thepharmacist can locate a card with one or memory devices having thecorrect dosing schedule, remove the memory device, for example bypealing it away from a release liner underneath it, and then attachingit to a medication container. To prevent errors the pharmacist comparesthe dosing schedule printed on the medication label they normally printand attach to the container with the dosing schedule printed on thememory device. In some cases the pharmacist can sell or give the memorydevice to the customer for them to place on the medication containerwhen the customer removes it from any sealed packaging. The patient thenmatches the dosing schedule printed on the memory tag with the dosingschedule printed on the medication label.

In some cases instead of the dosing schedule being printed on the memorydevice, the medication name can be printed on the memory device and insome cases with the customer's name. Once again the pharmacist cancompare the text printed on the memory device with the text of themedication container label to ensure there is a match. When the customeris provided the memory device he can match the text on the memory devicewith the medication container label text.

The customer can also select a preprogrammed memory device for use, forexample by selecting a memory device mounted and sealed on a card withthe dosing schedule text or medication name (for a standard dosingschedule of a specific medication) printed on it for the customer toread. The customer later removes the memory device and attaches it tothe correct medication container or medical product. Once again thecustomer can match the dosing schedule or medication name on the memorydevice with the dosing schedule and or name printed on the medicationcontainer or the box it comes in.

When a memory device with a pre-programmed serial number is associatedwith the dosing regimen in a database, the memory device can also beprinted with the dosing schedule, and/or the medication name, and/or thecustomer's name. Once again this is to ensure that the memory device isonly attached to the correct medication container with the matchinglabel text.

In some instances it may be desirable to provide the customer a kiosk orprinter station, so the customer can create or modify memory devices fortheir own use. Typically the station will include a processor, adisplay, one or more data entry devices (e.g. keyboard, voicerecognition, or bar code reader), a memory device label printer, and aconnection to a database. The customer enters information to identifythe product, e.g. by typing the product name or reading the UPC barcode. The customer may then be presented with information about theproduct retrieved from the database based on the UPC code, for example astandard dosing schedule can retrieved for the customer to convenientlyuse or modify.

In some cases this would also allow the customer to enter informationinto a database that could be retrieved at a later date when buying arefill of a medication, so this information need not be enteredrepeatedly to create a new memory device.

The customer may also answer one of more personalization questions.These allow the customer to identify himself or to specify aself-directed dosing regimen, e.g. twice a day or once a day at 8:00 am.In some cases the bar code can be linked in the database to a physicianprescribed dosing regimen that the customer can customize, e.g. takeonce a day but the customer selects the time of day such as 7:00 pm.

The customer can advantageously use the printer station to create, writeto, or modify memory devices for medications sold “over the counter”,nutraceuticals, or medical devices that should be used on a schedule forwhich the pharmacist would not normally be concerned with.

The customer can select a medical product for purchase and prepare amemory device label for the product that he later attaches to theproduct. Typically the product is in a container that is labeledidentifying the product, the quantity in the container, the strength orconcentration of it, general instruction on how to consume or use it,and other information presented by the manufacturer. Most productsinclude a UPC bar code that identifies it to a computer system. Byreading the UPC code a standard dosing schedule can be retrieved for thecustomer to conveniently use or modify.

The customer having selected a product for purchase decides that theywant to also prepare a memory device that will work with a remindersystem they use. The memory device will include instructions or codesthat are read by the reminder system and used to compute times when thecustomer is to be alerted to consume or used to present to the customerinstructions on how to use the medical product.

When done the printer station prints a memory device label withinformation about the medical product and the dosing regimen. The labelincludes text identifying the medical product and a memory device, towhich the station programs with information about the medical product,the dosing regimen, and other information about the use of the medicalproduct as desired.

The customer purchases the medical product and the memory device (whennot provided at no charge). It is anticipated that when the customerreturns home he remove the medical product from any over wrap or boxused to protect it during handling. The customer selects the memorydevice label he prepared for this product by comparing the text on thecontainer or product with the text on the memory product label. When thecorrect label is located the customer removes the memory device form thelabel and attaches it to the container or medical product (e.g. memorydevice can be self adhesive and removed from the label via a releaseliner).

The customer then uses his reminder system to read the contents of thememory device including the dosing regimen. The reminder system computestimes when the customer is to be alerted to consume or use the medicalproduct. When these times occur the reminder system presents an alertand displays the name of the medical product and other information aboutits consumption as needed.

The customer can press a button to terminate the alert. Alternately, thecustomer can present the medical container or product with its memorydevice to the reminder system, which deactivates the alert when it readsthe memory device on the container. If the tag does not correlate to themedical container or product the reminder system can present a differentalert, indicating that this is not the medical product to be consumed orused.

In the case that this is a different medical product than the onedisplayed, but that this different product is to be consumed at nearlythe same time, the reminder device can switch to display informationabout this medical product. However, the reminder system willsubsequently present an alert for the customer to consume or use theoriginally presented medical product, ensuring that it is also consumed.

In another use, the customer can present the container or product with amemory device to the reminder system, which will then present otherinformation about the product to the customer. This information canindicate how the customer is to use the product (e.g. differentcustomers use the product differently), when he is to use it, or otherinformation that should be provided or measured to use the product (e.g.blood glucose level, blood pressure, etc.)

When the customer has consumed all of the medical product, they returnto the pharmacy to obtain a new supply of the medical product. He againreturns to the printer station to repeat the steps mentioned above or hecan read the UPC bar code of the product and identify himself. Theprinter station can access the database to recall the previous selfdirected dosing regimen and other preferences that had been entered bythe customer. This information is presented on the display for approvalor modification by the customer and a new the memory device label isprinted and any modifications sent to the database.

When the memory device label is purchased, the pharmacy checkout clerkenters a product identifier for the label. The identifier can be linkedin a database to the medical product for which it was prepared. Thecheckout clerk continues to enter product identifiers (e.g. UPC codes)for the remaining customer purchases. When done a comparison can beperformed by the cash register or database to determine that thecustomer has purchased both the memory device label for a medicalproduct and they have also purchased the medical product for which thememory device label was either selected or prepared. This preventsdisappointment by the consumer when they arrive at home only to find heforgot the medical product. It also ensures that customers alwayspurchase their memory device labels and medical products from the samestore.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an interactive medication container thatincludes one or more containers, each having an information stripcontaining medication and prescription information, and a reminder unitor console that reads the information strip or strips and communicatesinformation to and interacts with a patient to remind them to take themedication or to track or gather information such as consumption time,quantity, and patient feedback information.

Medication containers that remind a patient to take their medication orkeep track of the number of doses of medication in the container arewell known. Examples of such automated containers are disclosed in U.S.Pat. Nos. 3,227,127 (Gayle); 4,207,992 (Brown); 4,360, 125 (Martindale);4,483,626 (Noble); 4,504,153 (Schollmeyer); 4,526,474 (Simon); 4,573,606(Lewis); 4,695,954 (Rose); 4,725,997 (Urguhart); 4,939,705 (Hamilton);4,984,709 (Weinstein); 5,099,463 (Lloyd); 5,181,189 (Hafner); 5,213,332(Kraft); 5,313,439 (Albeck); 5,392,952 (Bowden); 5,472,113 (Shaw) and522,525 (McLaughlin), the disclosures of which are incorporated byreference.

The general purpose of an automated container is to improve patientcompliance in taking the appropriate medication on schedule. Whiletaking a particular medication on a regular schedule may seem a simpleprocess, it is often difficult to accomplish, especially when thepatient has been prescribed to take several medications. Dosing regimensthat require the patient to take different doses of differentmedications at different times can be particularly confusing. Forexample, a prescription that requires a patient to take two doses ofmedication A and one dose of medication B can be confusing. A patientcan inadvertently take one dose of medication A and two doses ofmedication B. In addition, some medications are taken in a paired dosingregimen, with medication A being taken on Monday, medication B beingtaken on Tuesday, medication A on Wednesday, etc. Other medications arenot intended to be taken together at all because they either neutralizeeach other or cause adverse side effects that can result in illness oreven death. This situation is particularly problematic when more thanone physician is prescribing medication to the patient. Conventionalmedication containers designed for a patient's personal use on anout-patient basis do not assist the patient in taking the correctmedication at the correct time, particularly when several medicationshave been prescribed.

The ability to comply with prescribed medication dosing requirements iscomplicated in situations where dosing amounts change over time. Forexample, prescribed dosing amounts are frequently a function of ongoinglaboratory tests that determine the patient's medication needs. In thesesituations, physicians need to be able to easily communicate changes indosing amounts to their patients as quickly as possible. Medicationcompliance is particularly important when powerful medications areprescribed, and over-medicating or under-medicating a patient can leadto serious side effects, illness and even death. Yet, keeping patientsin hospitals for a prolonged period of time to ensure that dosingregimens are changed when necessary is not considered a practicalsolution.

The process of taking several medications at the appropriate time isfurther complicated if the medication or an illness causes the person tothink less clearly or to be forgetful. There is the anxiety of beinguncertain if you took the medication earlier in the day. Then, there isthe problem of patients completely forgetting to take their medication.The first condition is alleviated by simply indicating when themedication is to be taken next. If the container indicates a future timeor day to take the next medication, the patient knows that they havetaken the current dosage. If the container indicates a present or pasttime, the patient knows that they should take the medication now. Tosolve the problem of completely forgetting to take a dosage ofmedication, a container will typically contain an alarm to remind thepatient to take the medication. Unfortunately, the presently availableproducts and the above patents suffer from one or more problems orlimitations.

One problem in reminding patients to take their medication on time isthat many automated medication systems are not transportable and notintended for use on an outpatient basis. This is especially true ofsystems that handle complicated dosing regimes, handle a variety ofmedications, or provide fairly detailed information about themedications being consumed. Yet, many patients are not home bound. Infact, the purpose of many medications is to enable people that wouldotherwise be incapacitated to live normal, ambulatory lives. To beeffective, medication alerting methods must be easily transportable, notjust an in-home alarming system.

An additional problem is childproofing the automated medicationcontainer. Childproofing is frequently necessary to prevent an infant,child, or mentally handicapped or medicated person from gainingunsupervised access to the medication. The childproofing features mustcooperate with the automated features of the container.

A further problem is that some automated dispensers dispense a varietyof different pills at the same time. Some dispensers empty a preloadednumber of pills from the container as it passes over an open dispensingchute. If the patient does not take all the medication, there is noplace to put the excess. The medication either remains in the dispensingarea, possibly resulting in an accidental overdose at a later time orconsumption by a child, or the medication is thrown out. If an attemptis made to reload the medication into the dispenser, the dispensingpatterns can be inadvertently altered. This is particularly problematicif the dispenser is handling medications that are similar in appearance.

A still further problem is that errors can occur when a caregiverremoves a variety of medications from the pharmacist supplied containersand inserts the medications into a different medication container ormachine. An example being a container with separate compartments marked“breakfast, lunch and dinner”, or “Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, etc.” Infact, there is some question regarding the legality of a care giverremoving medications from pharmacist supplied containers and placingthem into other containers. There is good reason for caution regardingthe shuffling of medication from one container to another. Given thestrength of many medications in use today, any confusion about themedications put in the secondary container or any confusion regardingthe prescription regimens could have a significant adverse affect on thepatient.

A still further problem is that the patient must program a timing oralarming mechanism in an automated dispenser by manual entry ofadditional coded data. A magnetic strip or smart card can also be usedto enter the data. Unfortunately, the cards are easily misplaced anderrors can result if the wrong data is entered into the dispensingmachine manually or via an incorrect card. In addition, such dispensingmachines have to be returned to the pharmacist frequently forreprogramming when a new medication is prescribed.

A still further problem is that many medication containers do notprovide a means for counting the number of pills remaining in thecontainer or the number of pills taken to date. The patient or caregivermust manually enter the amount of medication dispensed or account forthe quantity of medication remaining after each dose is consumed. Insituations where the unused portion of a prescribed medication isreturned to the pharmacy, such as in a hospital setting, the pharmacistmust manually count the number of pills left in the container.

A still further problem with conventional automated medicationcontainers is that they do not record the actual dosing regimen taken bythe patient. A patient could take the medication too early, too late orcompletely miss taking the medication at various times. This results ina sporadic actual consumption or dosing regimen for the medication. Thecontainers in use today do not provide an easy method of communicatingthe sporadic extent of the actual consumption regimen to the patient, orhis or her pharmacist or physician.

A still further problem in designing an automated medication containeris that the container should be compatible with conventional,non-automated medication containers used by the pharmaceutical industrytoday. (See FIG. 1). A dramatic deviation from the conventional designwould inhibit the adoption of the automated container design. Acompatible design would enable the pharmacist to continue usingconventional, non-automated containers in situations where such acontainer is appropriate, but would enable the pharmacist to provide anautomated container in situations where this type of container isappropriate.

A still further problem with designing an automated medication containeris that the more expensive automated components should be reusable. Theincreased cost of providing a microprocessor, memory displays, alarmsand circuitry in a container would likely be prohibitive if the entirecontainer disposed of after a single prescription is consumed. As manycomponents as possible must be designed to be reused.

The present invention overcomes these and other limitations in existingmedication dispensing products.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an interactive medication container or consolethat hold or otherwise organizes one or more medication vials orcontainers. Each vial has a memory strip containing medication andprescription information. Each vial can also include a reminder unitthat is attached to and portable with the individual vials. The consoleor reminder unit reads the information strip of the vial andcommunicates this information to or interacts with a patient to remindthem to take the medication. The medication container or reminder unitalso gathers or tracks information such as consumption time, quantityremaining, patient feedback, and contraindication information. Themedication container or reminder unit interacts with the patient bydisplaying questions or receiving and recording input from the patientbefore, during or after a dose of medication is taken. The patient inputcan be used to modify the dosing regimen for future doses of medication.The medication container reorders medication when the quantity remainingreaches a threshold level. Contraindication information in the memorystrip is downloaded to a personal home computer or a hospital or nursinghome computer.

One embodiment of the interactive medication container invention relatesto a multi-piece, medication container having a first piece with aninteractive label that includes a machine readable memory strip. Thememory strip contains prescription information, medication informationand program codes that are downloaded to a second piece having acomputer processor. The interactive label is affixed to a vial of astandard or slightly modified childproof container sealed by a cap. Anautomated reminder unit is attached to the vial and positioned so thatmemory sensors in the reminder are able to read the prescriptioninformation, medication information and codes on the memory strip. Thiscan be ensured by using an alignment device such as a plate or theinteractive memory strip can be arranged uniformly around the perimeterof the vial, so as to be read simply by inserting the vial into a holeor socket. The automated reminder includes its own memory for storingthe information and codes. The automated reminder also includes adisplay for visually or audibly indicating desired information to thepatient, such as alerts when to take the next dose of medication.

The reminder unit can be designed to mate with a wide variety ofmedication containers. For example, when the interactive label is partof an alignment plate, the plate can be attached or adhered to vials,bottles, boxes, blister packs, inhalation cartridges and other types ofcontainers. Now the reminder is part of a universal system helpingpatients to properly consume virtually all forms of medication.

When a consumption alert is presented, indicating medication is to beconsumed, the alert can be canceled by pressing a button on thereminder. Pressing the button indicates to the reminder that the dose ofmedication has been consumed. The reminder then writes actual medicationconsumption information to the memory of the reminder. When thecontainer or vial includes a readable and writable memory strip, theconsumption information can be written to the memory strip. Recordingthis consumption information enables the reminder to track the actualdosing regimen for the actual time medication was consumed. Theconsumption information can also be used to determine inventory orremaining quantity information regarding the number of medication dosesremaining in the container or the time the medication was consumed. Thereminder unit includes a computer controlled locking assembly thatprevents the removal of the cap before the prescribed time for takingthe next dose of medication.

The actual medication consumption information is downloaded into thememory strip. The patient returns the vial and memory strip to thepharmacist or physician for analyzing the patient's input in response toquestions asked during use to determine the effectiveness of themedication. The pharmacist or physician reads the information on thememory strip via a separate sensing element kept in their office. Thepatient retains the reminder for further use.

One advantage of the present invention is that the interactive labelcontains a wide variety of information that is not practical to printout in textual form on a relatively small label. The memory or memorystrip contains information regarding the number of pills or capsules tobe taken per dosage and the dosing regimen, e.g. daily, four times aday, before a meal, etc. The memory strip also contains informationregarding the medication, such as the medication name, expiration date,quantity in container, patient name, pharmacy name, address andtelephone number, pharmacy prescription number, prescribing doctor nameand telephone number.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the memory stripcontains special prescription requirements and instructions that areexpressed in the form of a series of processor instructions such asthose written in the Java or other computer language, as opposed to asimple four times per day dosing regime. The prescription requirementscan, for example, indicate frequent dosages of a medication whenstarting a medication, then indicate a gradual reduction of medication,and finally indicate a sustained steady dose after several days.

A further advantage of the present invention is that the memory stripcan contain prescription requirements that include instructions foralternating between differing medications in a controlled sequence. Forexample, some advances in Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)medication protocols require the patient to consume two or moremedications, but on alternating or sequential days. Although eachmedication is held in a separate and distinct medication container, thememory strip on each medication container could provide instructions ontaking both medications.

The patient can elect to consume medication earlier than normal. Thepatient indicates his or her desire to consume a dose of medication bytriggering an access warning indicator such as by pressing one or morebuttons, attempting to open the container or vial holding themedication, or by other means of indicating that access to themedication is desired. The reminder then uses the prescriptioninformation, medication information or codes previously stored in thememory of the reminder to determine if the medication can be safelyconsumed at this time. For example, the reminder will determine if amedication that is normally taken once a day at a certain time can beconsumed 2 hours early. If the medication can be safely consumed at thisearly time, the reminder indicates this to the patient and then writesthe actual medication consumption information to the memory or memorystrip as noted above. The reminder will then skip over the nextscheduled predetermined time to take a dose of medication and skip orforego presenting an alert to the patient to consume medication at thattime so the patient is not confused and directed to consume another doseof medication. If the medication cannot be safely consumed at aparticular time, the reminder will present an access alert to thepatient to not consume the medication.

The medication information can include questionnaires to be presented tothe patient related to the consumption of medication. A questionnairecan ask the patient how they feel or to instruct him or her to recordtheir blood pressure. The questionnaire is typically presented to thepatient either before or after consuming the medication, but can bepresented as the medication is consumed. The response to thequestionnaire can be entered using one or more buttons, or theinformation requested can be transferred from a separate medical device(e.g. glucometer, blood pressure device, or heart rate monitor) to thereminder unit and stored in the memory of the interactive label of thevial or the memory of the reminder unit or transferred to a remote caregiver computer system.

The patient can indicate to the reminder that he or she wants towithdraw the next dose of medication even if the time is presently tooearly to safely consume a dose of medication. This allows the patient toleave his or her home or a nursing home or care giver setting for a daywithout taking the interactive medication container with him or her. Bypressing one or more buttons, the reminder indicates to the patient whenthe next dose is to be consumed and how many pills are to be consumed.The patient then removes the dose or doses of medication from the vialand places them in his or her purse, pocket, or an accessory portablemedication container. When the patient removes the medication for laterconsumption, the reminder records the consumption information as thoughthe medication were consumed at the next normal dosing time. Thereminder will not present a consumption alert to consume medication atthat next normal dosing time.

The accessory portable container can include an electronic reminder unitof its own. When the patient removes the medication from the vial andplaces it in the accessory portable container, the reminder unit matedto the vial communicates (e.g. via infrared, radio frequency, or bydirect electrical contact) to the reminder of the accessory portablecontainer the prescription information and medication information usedto alert the patient to consume the medication at the next dosing time.The patient indicates to the portable container when he or she isconsuming the medication. This time is recorded as consumptioninformation in the memory of the portable reminder. Alternately, theportable container can have sensors that indicate to its reminder whenmedication is being removed from the portable container. When thisoccurs, consumption information is recorded to the memory of theportable reminder unit. In either, case when the portable container isbrought back to the medication vial reminder unit, the consumptioninformation can be transferred from the memory of the portable reminderunit to the reminder mated to the vial and recorded in memory of theinteractive label or the memory of reminder unit.

At the next dosing time, the patient is alerted to consume themedication in the container. As noted above for the interactivemedication container, the patient indicates his or her desire to consumea dose of medication by triggering an access indicator such as bypressing one or more buttons on the portable container, attempting toopen the portable container, or by other means, when they are consumingthe medication. This cancels the consumption alert and the current timeis recorded as consumption information in the memory of the portablereminder. If the patient wants to consume the medication early theyindicate this by pressing an override button. The current time isrecorded as the consumption information and the scheduled consumptionalert at the normal dosing time is canceled. Alternately, the portablecontainer can have sensors that indicate to its reminder when medicationis being removed from the portable container. When the sensors detectthe removal of medication, such as by the removal of a cap, consumptioninformation is recorded to the memory of the portable reminder unit andthe alert for the next normally scheduled consumption or dose time iscanceled. In either case, when the portable container is brought back tothe interactive medication container, the consumption information istransferred from the memory of the portable container and recorded tothe memory of the interactive medication container or the memory stripof the interactive label of the vial.

In another embodiment of the interactive medication container, thereminder has medication removal sensors for obtaining actual medicationconsumption information based on when medication is removed from itsassociate vial or container. The removal sensor can be in the form of acap sensor (e.g. a micro switch). The reminder unit is mated orotherwise attached to its associated vial or container so that thememory sensors (e.g. electrical contacts) are aligned or otherwisepositioned to read the information from the memory strip of theinteractive label. The memory sensors can also take the form of amedication removal sensor (e.g. a micro switch) located in a dischargeopening of the vial or container. The memory sensor is positioned tomonitor the removal or an attempt to remove medication from the vial orcontainer (e.g. removing a cap that breaks the electrical contacts orthe passage of a dose of medication by the micro switch trips the microswitch). Once disrupted, tripped or otherwise activated or deactivated,the reminder writes the actual consumption information to the memory ofthe reminder or the memory strip of the interactive label of the vial.

A still further advantage of the present invention is that the memorystrip of the interactive label provides sufficient information to enablea single vial or container to hold a variety of medications. Althoughthe medications would have to be sufficiently different looking inappearance to avoid confusion, the memory strip provides enough detailedinformation so that the interactive medication container can provide thepatient with instructions for taking all the types of medication in thevial or container. The interactive medication container alleviates theneed for the patient to carry around several containers at once.

A still further advantage of the present interactive medicationcontainer invention is that the microprocessor, memory sensors, displayand alarms are located in the reminder unit. The memory strip is affixedto the vial or container. This enables a patient to reuse the automatedreminder for different prescriptions. The vial and its memory strip,which contains information specific to the prescription for themedication in the container is discarded or returned to the pharmacistor physician. The more expensive automated reminder is reused forsubsequent prescriptions, thereby reducing the long-term cost of theautomated container.

A still further advantage of the present invention is that theinformation in the interactive label and the microprocessor memory areused to alert the patient when it is time to take a dose of medicationand how many pills or capsules to consume. The interactive label andmicroprocessor are also used to warn the patient to defer takingmedication at the present time, or indicate at what time the next doseof medication is to be taken. These alarms and indicators shouldincrease patient compliance in taking medication according to theprescribed regimen.

A still further advantage of the present invention is that the automatedmedication container can convey information to a separate device such asa patient's home computer to aid in alerting the patient to take themedication in a timely manner. For example, the interactive medicationcontainer can take the form of a multi-container medication dispenser ormedication system and used with remote communication devices describedbelow.

A still further advantage of the present invention is that theinteractive label and automated reminder are compatible with aconventional medication container having a cylindrical vial andchildproof cap as shown in FIG. 1. The pharmacist can dispensemedication in a standard or slightly modified childproof containeraffixed with the interactive label. The patient is then free to attachor mate the vial to the automated reminder.

Conventional medication containers are easily modified to facilitate usewith the interactive label. A plate with the interactive label can beadhered to virtually any container. The container and plate are thenreceived by or mated to the automated reminder. When the reminder has amedication removal indicator or sensor (e.g., a micro switch), the plateis adhered to the container so that the removal sensor is properlypositioned to detect medication being removed from the container (e.g.,passing through a discharge opening).

A still further advantage of the invention is that the automatedreminder includes a battery or photocell, a microprocessor with a timingcircuit, and a LCD display. The timing circuit enables the reminder toprovide the time of day, day of the week or date to the patient.

An additional advantage of the present invention is that it can recordactual medication consumption information. The timing circuit enablesthe automated reminder to obtain actual consumption information byrecording when the cap is removed from or a dose of medication passesthrough a discharge opening of the vial or container. Removal of the capdisrupts the communication of the cap sensor with the processor. Thisdisruption in communication, which may also take the form of returningthe cap to seal the vial and the corresponding reengagement ofcommunication, establishes the time and date the user consumed themedication. The prescription timing regimen is used to compute the nexttime the patient should take the medication. When the cap is replaced,the microprocessor determines that the user just removed the cap,consumed a dose of medication, and replaced the cap. A similar scenariooccurs when a medication removal indicator or sensor (e.g., a microswitch) is used.

A still further advantage of the present invention is that the remindercomputes the next time the patient is to take the medication anddisplays this information to the patient. The time and or date or day isdisplayed via a display such as a LCD device in the reminder. By readingthe display, the user can easily and reliably determine the next time totake the medication. The LCD display includes the number of pills orcapsules to be consumed. Given enough display area, specificinstructions for taking the medication will be presented, e.g., “consume2 hours before eating.”

A still further advantage of the present invention is that the remindercan alert the patient to take the medication by sounding an audiblealarm, illuminating an indicator such as an LCD, or rotating aneccentrically positioned weight to cause a vibration alert. These alarmsare intended to improve patient compliance.

A still further advantage of the present invention is that prescriptioninformation on the memory strip of the vial or container is conveyed tothe patient's personal home computer, or a hospital or nursing homecomputer. The information on the memory strip controls additionalalerting means, such as additional light sources, audible alarms, viatelecommunication to call the patient at home or office depending on thetime of day to remind the patient to take the medication. The patientresponds by using a telephone keypad to indicate whether a dose wastaken. In this way, patient compliance with the physician prescriptionis tracked. Alternately, the personal home computer can page the patientto indicate which medication is to be taken. The memory stripinformation is copied to the home or business personal computer via aseparate sensing element capable of communicating with the personal orbusiness computer. The automated reminder can also be equipped with aninfrared transmitter, radio frequency, telephone modem, or Ethernetadapter to send the memory strip information to the personal computer orremote medication system.

A still further advantage of the present invention is that thechildproof container helps prevent the patient from taking medicationtoo soon or too frequently. The reminder is equipped with a lockingmechanism that interacts with the childproof locking features. When thecap is in place, a solenoid activated armature in the reminder preventsany attempt to open the cap until the appropriate time for taking themedication. When it is time to consume the medication, the solenoidreleases the armature. The locking mechanism can also limit the numberof times a day the patient can gain access to medication that isconsumed on an as needed basis (e.g., for use with medication to controlpain). This helps prevent the patient from taking the medication toomany times in any given day or from repeating dosages of the medicationwithin too short a time period. This feature helps inhibit or avoidaddictions to the medication.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the interactive medicationcontainer organizes several vials or containers of different types ofmedication. These vials or containers can take on different sizes andshapes. Each vial or container is mated or otherwise secured to aconsole or unitary dispenser. A machine readable memory strip is affixedto each vial. A separate memory strip is affixed or otherwise joined toeach vial or container. Each memory strip contains prescriptioninformation and medication information pertaining to the medication inits vial. The console or unitary dispenser is equipped with one or moresensors that read each memory strip and transmit their information tothe computer processor and its associated memory device. The processordetermines when each medication is to be taken and signals or otherwisecommunicates with the patient to take the appropriate medication fromthe appropriate vial at the appropriate time. Indicator lights and adisplay are preferably provided for this purpose. The vials are standardor slightly modified childproof pill containers, but can take the formof other containers such as bottles, inhalers, boxes, and blister packsor dispensers. The console or dispenser is provided with one or moreaccess control mechanisms that allow the removal of medication from thevials or containers, and obtains actual medication consumptioninformation based on when and from what vial or container the medicationwas removed. When a dosing time occurs, a consumption alert is soundedor otherwise communicated to the patient. This alert or communicationindicates the vial or container containing the intended medication forthis dosing time. The patient then removes the indicated vial orcontainer from the console. The removal of the vial or container isconveyed to the processor in the console by a disruption of the sensedcontact or connection with the interactive memory strip, or via a microswitch. The processor detects this disruption in communication and notesthis event as access information, removal information or actualconsumption information. This information is used to keep inventoryinformation regarding the number of doses of each type of medicationremaining in each vial or container. The memory strips can be machinereadable and writable so that they can be altered to include actualconsumption information, inventory information, or other informationsuch as patient responses to questionnaires.

The console or dispenser can be adapted to releasably mate with a vialor container equipped with its own individual reminder unit. The consoleor dispenser receives prescription and medication information from thereminder and uses this information to alert the patient when he or sheis to consume medication. Although the console is preferably adapted toreceive the reminder unit with the vial or container riding on thereminder, the console could easily be adapted so that the reverse ispossible. The individual reminder unit no longer presents alerts to thepatient when it or the vial it is attached to the console. When the vialand its individual reminder unit are removed from the console, theconsole will discontinue its alerts to the patient. As noted above, thereminder unit mated to the vial now presents dosing alerts. The reminderunit records consumption information to the memory strip of theinteractive label or to the memory of the reminder unit. When the vialand its individual reminder unit are again mated to the console, therecorded consumption information is transferred to the memory of theconsole.

The console or dispenser is further able to determine if a patient isattempting to consume a medication too early and present an appropriateaccess alert warning the patient not to consume the medication. Thedispenser can use an access control device (e.g. a solenoid and plunger)to prevent the premature removal of a vial. If the medication can beconsumed early based on prescription and medication information, thepatient can remove the vial or container from the dispenser and consumethe medication. The dispenser then cancels the next medication dosingalert, so the patient is not guided to take a dose at the normal dosingtime.

The console or dispenser can also be used with an accessory portablecontainer with its own electronic reminder unit. The patient indicatesto the reminder that he or she wants to withdraw the next dose ofmedication, even if the interactive medication container determines thatthe present time is too early to safely consume that medication. Thisfeature is valuable when the patient is going to be gone for the day andhe or she does not want to take the console with him or her. By pressingone or more override buttons, the console indicates to the patient whichtypes of medication are to be removed for independent consumption, whenthe next dose of each removed medication is to be consumed and how manypills of that type of medication are to be consumed at that time. Thepatient then removes the medications from the appropriate vials andplaces them in his or her purse, pocket, or an accessory portablemedication container. When the patient removes medication for laterconsumption, the reminder records the consumption information for eachremoved medication as though they medication were consumed at their nextnormal dosing time. The reminder will not present an alert to consumemedication at these times.

The accessory portable container can include an electronic reminder unitof its own. When the patient removes the medication from one of thevials and places it in the portable container and the consolecommunicates the prescription information and medication information tothe reminder of the portable container (e.g. via infrared, radiofrequency, or by direct electrical contact) to alert the patient to takethe medication at the next dosing time for that medication. At the nextdosing time, the patient is alerted to consume the medication in theportable container. The patient presses a consumption indicator orbutton to indicate to the portable container that they are consuming themedication. This cancels the next scheduled dosing alert, and thecurrent time is recorded as consumption information in the memory of theportable reminder. The patient can indicate if they want to consume themedication early by pressing another override button. The current timeis recorded as consumption information and the scheduled alert at thenormal dosing time is canceled. Alternately, the portable container canhave an access or removal indicator or sensor that indicates to itsreminder when medication is being removed from the portable container.When the sensor is disrupted, tripped or otherwise activated ordeactivated, consumption information is recorded to the memory of theportable reminder unit and the next scheduled alert for that type ofmedication is canceled. In either case, when the portable container isbrought back to the medication console, the consumption information istransferred from the memory of the portable container and recorded tothe memory of the console, the memory of a reminder unit mated to a vialof the consumed medication, or the memory of the memory strip of theinteractive label of the vial for the consumed medication.

The console or dispenser communicates questionnaires recorded in theinteractive label or the memory of the console, or transferred via RFcommunications or a communications network from a remote medicationsystem to the patient. The questionnaires are presented to the patientin relationship to the consumption of one or more of the medications inthe multiple vials mated to the dispenser. The questionnaire responsesare recorded in the memory of the interactive label, the memory of theconsole, or transferred for storage in the memory of a remote medicationsystem.

One advantage of the present interactive medication container inventionis to improve patient compliance in selecting the appropriate medicationfrom several vials of different medications, and taking that appropriatemedication on schedule. The invention is of particular use when thepatient has been prescribed to take several medications with dosingregimens that require the patient to take different amounts or doses ofdifferent medications at different times. The automated console ordispenser can easily instruct the patient to take two doses ofmedication A by lighting an indicator light by the appropriate vial anddisplaying a message to take two pills. Once medication A has beendispensed or removed, the console or dispenser can instruct the patientto take one dose of medication B in a similar manner. This prevents apatient from inadvertently taking one dose of medication A and two dosesof medication B. The automated dispenser is also helpful whenmedications are taken in a paired dosing regimen, with medication Abeing taken on Monday, medication B being taken on Tuesday, medication Aon Wednesday, etc. The dispenser indicates when each medication is to betaken so that the patient does not have to rely on his or her memory.The container is even programmed to display a message stating when thelast dose of medication A or B was dispensed or when the next dose ofmedication A or B is due.

Another advantage of the present invention is the systems ability tohandle contraindication information. Contraindication information isstored in each information strip and transmitted to the automatedconsole or dispenser. Contraindication information is also stored in thememory of the dispenser or transferred from a medication system via acommunication network to the dispenser. In the later case, only thecontraindications for the medications in vials that have been mated tothe dispenser need to be transferred. The automated dispenser will soundor otherwise indicate a warning when vials of two different medicationsare secured to the dispenser that are not intended to be taken together.This is particularly advantageous in the relatively common situationwhere several physicians are prescribing different medication to thesame patient, and the patient is being handled on an outpatient basis.

A further advantage of the present invention is that the console ordispenser can quickly receive updated prescription and medicationinformation for a specific medication on an outpatient basis via aportable paging device or communication network. The dispenser thenrecords the information to the memory of the dispenser, the memory of areminder unit or the interactive label for the specific medication. Thepatient does not need to go to the physician to obtain a new writtenprescription or to a pharmacy to obtain a new vial with new dosinginstructions. This is desirable when prescribed medication dosingrequirements change over time, such as in situations where ongoinglaboratory tests are used to determine the patient's medication needs.The quickness of this system of sending updated medication dosinginformation to a patient is particularly important when powerfulmedications are prescribed, and over-medicating or under-medicating apatient can lead to serious side effects, illness and even death. Thequickness of the system enables a patient to live a more normal lifewhile receiving treatment on an outpatient basis, avoids a prolongedhospital stay and helps to reduce the cost of treating the individual.

A still further embodiment of the invention relates to an medicationsystem used in conjunction with the reminder unit and themulti-container console or dispenser. The medication system is intendedfor operation by a pharmacy or healthcare giver (e.g. a physician orhome health monitoring agency). The medication system communicates withdispensers or reminder units via a RF paging network or othercommunications network (e.g. the Internet) to send information to or toreceive information from the dispenser related to consumption ofmedication. The medication system includes a memory or database thatstores medication contraindication information, special instructions forconsuming individual medication, questionnaires related to theconsumption of medication, and can store individual patient consumptioninformation and questionnaire responses.

The console or dispenser uses an Internet address, stored in theinteractive memory strip, to connect with the medication system.Alternately the medication system can connect with the dispenser usingaddress information stored in the system memory. In either caseinformation that is normally stored in the interactive memory strip orin the memory of the dispenser is stored in the memory of the medicationsystem. For example the consumption information can be transferred tothe system. The system uses this information to determine if a patientis not consuming medication on time or at all. The medication systemuses this information with program codes to send a warning message to acare giver for the patient indicating this potentially serioussituation. The medication system can also receive the medicationinformation for each medication mated to the dispenser and determine ifany of the medications are mutually contraindicated and then send acontraindication alert to the dispenser or to the care giver.

The console or medication system uses medication information inconjunction with the amount of medication remaining in each vial todetermine if a reorder of the medication should be made to ensure thepatient a continuous supply of the medication. Medication informationstored in the interactive strip or the medication system is used toindicate which medication can be reordered, which can be reordered onlywith the approval of the physician, and those that cannot be reordered.When the quantity of medication in a vial reaches a reorder level thepatient is queried to determine if he or she wants to reorder themedication. If the patient indicates by pressing a reorder button thatthe medication is to be reordered, a message is sent to the medicationsystem to reorder the medication for the patient. The medication systemthen sends a reorder request to the pharmacist. The reorder level isdetermined to ensure there is sufficient amount of time to allow thepharmacy to refill the medication. Additional time can be added in thecases where the reorder quantity will be met during a weekend or holidayand the reorder might not be processed quickly enough. A differing andtypically larger reorder quantity is used if the approval of a physicianis required, reflecting the greater time required to request and receivesuch approvals.

The invention contemplates that the pharmacy address for reordering amedication is obtained from either the interactive memory strip of avial or from the memory of the dispenser. The former ensures that allfuture reorder requests go to the pharmacy that originally filled theprescription for a specific vial or container. The later ensures thatall future reorder requests go to a single pharmacy, independent ofwhere the prescription for a specific vial or container was originallyfilled.

The automated console or dispenser contains a receiver for obtainingupdated medication dosing information based on current laboratory testsor physical observations of the physician regarding the patient. Forexample, in response to a questionnaire communicated by the console tothe patient, the patient may measure his or her blood clotting time andenter or transfer this information to the console. The console thentransfers this measurement to the medication system. The medicationsystem then presents the measurement to a healthcare giver. By usingcodes or algorithms, the medication system can compute a recommendeddosing regimen change for the patient that is presented to thehealthcare giver. Whether presented with a recommended change or not,the healthcare giver can use the medication system to enter a changeddosing regimen of a medication affecting blood clotting times for thepatient. The new dosing regimen is then sent from the medication systemto the console. The dosing regimen is then recorded in the memory of theconsole or in the memory of the interactive memory strip of the vialthat hold the medication being changed. The medication system can usecodes or algorithms to compute a new dosing regimen for the patient, andtransmit the new regimen to the console, without requiring the approvalof the healthcare giver.

The invention also includes a medication system for performing at leastone health safety function, the system comprising at least one containerfor holding doses of medication, the container having an RF memorydevice containing specifying information useable to determine aprescribed dosing regimen for the medication an RF sensor defining asensing area, the sensor for receiving the specifying information whenthe RF memory device is within the sensing area and a processor whereinthe processor receives and uses the specifying information to identifyprescribed dosing regimen information and the processor performs atleast one health safety function as a function of the prescribed dosingregimen information.

In several embodiments the system further includes a communicationdevice and a timing device, the processor linked to the timing deviceand linkable to the communication device and, wherein, the processorfurther uses the specifying information to determine a predeterminedtime to take the medication, uses the timing device to identify thepredetermined time and causes the communication device to indicate whenthe predetermined time occurs.

The sensor may define a sensor surface adjacent the antenna and thesensing area may be adjacent the sensor surface. The sensor surface maybe horizontal and the container may be supportable on the sensor surfacesuch that the RF device is within the sensing area. When the containeris supported on the sensing surface the container may include at leastone essentially downward facing container surface and the RF device maybe attached to the downward facing container surface. The sensor may beembedded in the container surface.

In some embodiments the sensor surface includes a sensing section and anon-sensing section, the sensing area is only adjacent the sensingsection and the sensor includes an aligner distinguishing the sensingsection from the non-sensing section. The aligner may include indicia onthe sensing surface. The downward facing surface may have a first shapeand the indicia may have a second shape and the first and second shapesmay be essentially identical. Here the container may be a vial includinga bottom surface and the downward facing surface may be the bottomsurface.

In several embodiments the communication device and the sensor areintegral. In some embodiments the timing device, processor,communication device and sensor form a portable device. Here, theportable device may include a strap such that the device is wristmountable. In other embodiments the timing device, processor,communication device and sensor form a console for stationary use.

In many embodiments the at least one container includes severalcontainers, each container includes an RF memory device, the sensingarea can receive more than one RF memory device at a time and, wherein,when more than one RF memory device is within the sensing area, thesensor retrieves the specifying information from each of the RF memorydevices.

The system may further include a separate communication device for eachof the several containers, the communication devices attached to thecontainers.

The health safety function may include indicating when a medication isbeing consumed at a non-optimal time, the system further including aconsumption indicator, the consumption indicator activatable to indicatewhen a dose of medication is to be consumed, wherein the processorreceives and uses the specifying information to identify a predeterminedprescribed time to take the medication, the processor monitors theconsumption indicator to determine when a medication is to be consumedand, when a medication is to be consumed, the processor uses the timingdevice to determine if the time to consume is consistent with thepredetermined time to consume. Here, the system may further include acommunication devices linkable to the processor and wherein, when thetime to consume is inconsistent with the predetermined time to consume,the processor indicates that the medication should not be consumed atthe time indicated by the consumption indicator.

The indicator and the sensor may be integral so that one of placing thespecifying device on and removing the specifying device from the sensorarea indicates the consumption time.

The system further includes a medication system for performing at leastone health safety function, the system comprising at least one containerfor holding doses of medication, the container having a specifyingdevice containing specifying information useable to determine aprescribed dosing regimen for the medication, a sensor defining asensing area, the sensing area capable of receiving at least twospecifying devices at the same time, the sensor for receiving thespecifying information from each of the specifying devices within thesensing area, and a processor, wherein the processor receives and usesthe specifying information to identify prescribed dosing regimeninformation and the processor performs at least one health safetyfunction as a function of the prescribed dosing regimen information.

Here the system may further include a communication device linkable tothe processor the communication device capable of indicating any of thecontainers. This system may also include a timing device linked to theprocessor wherein, when more than one specifying device is within thesensing area, the processor receives and uses the specifying informationfor each specifying device in the sensing area to identify prescribeddosing regimen information and a predetermined time to take each of themedications, the processor uses the timing device to determine when thepredetermined time occurs for each of the medications and the processorcauses the communication device to indicate the medications to beconsumed at the predetermined times.

The sensing area may include at least first and second separate sensingareas for receiving specifying information from separate specifyingdevices. The communication device may include a separate visual warningindicator adjacent each of the sensing areas and, wherein, thecommunication device indicates which medication to consume by activatingthe visual warning indicator adjacent medication to be consumed.

The sensor may define a horizontal sensor surface, when containers aresupported on the sensing surface the containers each include at leastone essentially downward facing surface, the specifying devices areattached to the downward facing surfaces, the sensor surface includes asensing section and a non-sensing section for each of the sensing areas,the sensing areas only adjacent the sensing sections and the sensorincludes a separate aligner for each of the sensing sectionsdistinguishing the sensing sections from the non-sensing section. Thealigners may include indicia on the sensing surface. The downward facingsurfaces may each have a first shape and the indicia each have a secondshape and the first and second shapes are essentially identical.

In many embodiments the communication device includes at least onecommunication device for each container and a separate communicationdevice is attached to each container.

The processor may periodically cause the sensor to scan the sensing areato identify specifying devices in the sensing area. Each container mayinclude a separate communication device and the processor may belinkable to the communication devices to control each communicationdevice. This linkage may be via wireless communication.

The system may also be for use in recording medication consumptiontimes, the system further including a readable and writable memorydevice and a consumption indicator that are linkable to the processor,the consumption indicator operable to obtain consumption timeinformation which the processor records in the memory device. The sensorand consumption indicator may also be integral such that one of placingand removing a specifying device in the sensing area comprises operationof the consumption indicator. The memory device and the specifyingdevice may further be integral.

The invention further includes a medication system for performing atleast one health safety function, the system comprising at least onecontainer for holding doses of medication, the container having aspecifying device containing specifying information useable to determinea prescribed dosing regimen for the medication, the specifyinginformation including a serial number, a sensor defining a sensing area,the sensor for receiving the specifying information when the specifyingdevice is within the sensing area and a processor linkable to a memorydevice that correlates serial numbers with prescribed dosing regimens,wherein the processor receives the specifying information, correlatesthe serial number and the regimen to determine the prescribed regimenfor a medication and then performs at least one health safety functionas a function of the prescribed dosing regimen information.

Another embodiment of the invention includes a medication system forrecording medication consumption times, the system comprising at leastone container for holding doses of medication, the container having aspecifying device containing specifying information useable to determinethe type of medication in the container, a readable and writable memorydevice, an indication device, a sensor defining a sensing area, thesensor for receiving the specifying information when the specifyingdevice is within the sensing area and a processor in communication witha timing device and also linkable to the consumption indicator, thememory device and the sensor, wherein the processor receives and usesthe specifying information to identify the medication type, when theconsumption indicator is operated the timing device determinesconsumption time and the processor stores the consumption time andmedication type in the memory device.

Here, the specifying device may be an Rf memory device, the sensor mayinclude an Rf identification antenna for sensing information in thespecifying device and the sensing area may be adjacent the antenna. Inone aspect the sensor may define a sensor surface adjacent the antennaand the sensing area may be adjacent the sensor surface. In anotheraspect the sensor surface may be horizontal and the container may besupportable on the sensor surface such that the RF device is within thesensing area. In yet another aspect, when the container is supported onthe sensing surface the container may include at least one essentiallydownward facing container surface and the RF device may be attached tothe downward facing container surface. The Rf device may be embedded inthe container surface.

In some embodiments the sensor surface includes a sensing section and anon-sensing section, the sensing area is only adjacent the sensingsection and the sensor includes an aligner distinguishing the sensingsection from the non-sensing section. The aligner may include indicia onthe sensing surface. In some embodiments the downward facing surface hasa first shape and the indicia has a second shape and the first andsecond shapes are essentially identical.

In some embodiments the sensor and consumption indicator are integralsuch that one of placing and removing a specifying device in the sensingarea comprises operation of the consumption indicator. Also, in someembodiments the processor and the timing device are integral with thecommunication device and the sensor.

In several embodiments the timing device, processor, consumptionindicator and sensor form a console for stationary use. In otherembodiments the timing device, processor, consumption indicator andsensor form a portable device. Where the device is portable the devicemay include a strap such that the device is wrist mountable.

In several embodiments the sensor defines a sensor surface adjacent theantenna and the sensing area is adjacent the sensor surface. In some ofthese embodiments the sensor surface is horizontal and the containersare supportable on the sensor surface such that the RF devices arewithin the sensing area.

Other embodiments of the invention include a system for indicating timeswhen medication should be consumed. In some of these embodiments thesystem includes at least one container for holding doses of medication,the container having a specifying device containing specifyinginformation useable to determine a prescribed dosing regimen for themedication, a communication device, a sensor defining a sensing area,the sensor for receiving the specifying information when the specifyingdevice is within the sensing area and a processor in communication witha timing device and also linkable to the communication device and thesensor, wherein the processor receives and uses the specifyinginformation to identify prescribed dosing regimen information and apredetermined time to take the medication, the timing device determineswhen the predetermined time occurs and the processor causes thecommunication device to indicate when the predetermined time occurs.

Yet other embodiments include a medication system for performing atleast one health safety function related to a medication, the systemincluding at least one container for holding doses of a medication, thecontainer having a specifying device containing specifying informationrelated to the medication to be held in the container, the specifyinginformation includes information that can be used by the processor toidentify a consumption regimen for the user for which the medication wasprescribed, a sensor defining a sensing area, the sensor for receivingspecifying information from the specifying device when the specifyingdevice is within the sensing area, a processor linked to the sensor, atiming device linked to the processor and a consumption indicator linkedto the processor, the consumption indicator activatable to indicate thatthe user is consuming a dose of medication from the container, wherein,when the specifying device is within the sensing area, the sensorreceives the specifying information and provides the specifyinginformation to the processor, the processor identifies the consumptionregimen from the specifying information, thereafter, the processormonitoring the consumption indicator to identify activation and uponactivation determining if the activation time occurs at a consumptionregimen time.

Some embodiments including a warning indicator, the processor causingthe warning indicator to indicate an occurrence related to the healthsafety function. In some of these cases the processor, warning indicatorand sensor are integral. Also, in some of these cases the warningindicator is one of a visual and an audible warning indicator.

In some embodiments the consumption indicator and the sensor areintegral such that placement of the specifying device within the sensingarea activates the consumption indicator indicating consumption.

In some embodiments that include a warning indicator the health safetyfunction further includes, upon determining that the activation time isinconsistent with a consumption regimen time, causing the warningindicator to indicate the inconsistency.

Another health safety function includes, upon determining that theactivation time is inconsistent with a consumption regimen time, storingthe inconsistency in a database. Yet another health safety functionincludes the processor causing the warning indicator to indicate whenconsumption times occur and, when the activation time is prior to a nextconsumption time, the processor modifying the next consumption time. Insome of these cases the processor modifies the next consumption time byskipping the next consumption time.

Other embodiments include a warning indicator and a timing device linkedto the processor wherein, after the processor identifies the consumptionregimen, the processor tracks the time and causes the warning indicatorto indicate each time the medication should be consumed. In some ofthese embodiments the container and medication to be stored therein area first container and a first medication and the system further includesat least a second container for holding doses of a second medication,the second container having a second specifying device containingspecifying information related to the second medication, when the secondspecifying device is positioned within the sensing area the processorreceiving the corresponding specifying information and identifying theconsumption regimen for the second medication, the health safetyfunction further including identifying consumption times for each of thefirst and second medications and, when a first medication consumptiontime is within a threshold period of a second medication consumptiontime, indicating that each of the first and second medications should beconsumed at essentially the same time.

Some embodiments further include a consumption indicator for indicatinga remote consumption period to the processor during which a medicationuser intends to consume the medication, the health safety functionfurther including the processor determining consumption requirementsduring the remote consumption period based on the consumption regimenand indicating the consumption requirements to the user. Even morecomplex systems include a warning indicator and a timing device linkedto the processor wherein, after the processor identifies the consumptionregimen, the health safety function further includes the processortracking the time and causes the warning indicator to indicate each timethe medication should be consumed and, when the user indicates a remoteconsumption period, the processor cancels the consumption indicationsduring the remote consumption period.

In another embodiment the system includes a database accessible by theprocessor, the database correlating the medication to be stored in thecontainer with a consumption regimen, the specifying informationidentifying the medication to be stored in the container, the processoridentifying the consumption regimen by correlating the medication typeto be stored in the container with the corresponding consumption regimenin the database.

Yet another embodiment of the invention includes a medication system forperforming at least one health safety function related to a medication,the system including at least one container for holding doses of amedication, the container having a specifying device containingspecifying information related to the medication to be held in thecontainer, the specifying information including information that can beused by the processor to determine if the user for whom the medicationhas been prescribed is allergic to the medication, a sensor defining asensing area, the sensor for receiving specifying information from thespecifying device when the specifying device is within the sensing areaand a processor linked to the sensor, wherein, when the specifyingdevice is within the sensing area, the sensor receives the specifyinginformation and provides the specifying information to the processor,the processor using the specifying information to perform at least onehealth safety function wherein the health safety function includesdetermining if the user is allergic to the medication.

In this case the system may also include any of the other featuresindicated above including a warning indicator for various purposes(i.e., indicating allergies), a database storing allergy information forsystem users and which is accessible via the processor to identifyallergies or any other device described above.

In other embodiment the invention includes a medication system forperforming at least one health safety function related to a medication,the system including at least one container for holding doses of amedication, the container having a specifying device containingspecifying information related to the medication to be held in thecontainer;

a sensor defining a sensing area, the sensor for receiving specifyinginformation from the specifying device when the specifying device iswithin the sensing area and a processor linked to the sensor, wherein,when the specifying device is within the sensing area, the sensorreceives the specifying information and provides the specifyinginformation to the processor, the processor using the specifyinginformation to perform at least one health safety function wherein thehealth safety function includes storing prescription records formedication users wherein the container and medication to be storedtherein are a first container and a first medication prescribed for afirst user and the system further includes at least a second containerfor storing at least a second medication for at least a second user, thesecond container including a second specifying device, the sensorreceiving specifying information from the second specifying device whenthe second device is positioned within the sensing area, the specifyinginformation indicating at least medication type and medication user, thehealth safety function including organizing at least a sub-set of thespecifying information for each container according to medication user.

In some of these embodiments the specifying information includesinformation that can be used by the processor to identify a consumptionregimen for the user for which the medication was prescribed, the healthsafety function including identifying the consumption regimen for eachcontainer and organizing the consumption regimens according tomedication user.

Other embodiments include a warning indicator and a timing device linkedto the processor wherein, after the processor identifies a consumptionregimen, the processor tracks the time and causes the warning indicatorto indicate each time the medication corresponding to the regimen shouldbe consumed and to indicate for which of the first and second user's themedication to be consumed has been prescribed.

Another embodiment includes a medication system for performing at leastone health safety function related to a medication, the system includingat least one container for holding doses of a medication, the containerhaving a specifying device containing specifying information related tothe medication to be held in the container, a sensor defining a sensingarea, the sensor for receiving specifying information from thespecifying device when the specifying device is within the sensing areaand a processor linked to the sensor, wherein, when the specifyingdevice is within the sensing area, the sensor receives the specifyinginformation and provides the specifying information to the processor,the processor using the specifying information to perform at least onehealth safety function, wherein the health safety function includesdetermining the prudence of a medication user consuming each of firstand second medications, the container and medication to be storedtherein including a first container and first medication, the systemfurther including a second container for holding doses of a secondmedication, the second container having a specifying device containingspecifying information related to the second medication, when the secondcontainer specifying device is within the sensing area, the sensorreceiving specifying information from the device, a data storage deviceincluding contraindication information related to a plurality ofmedications, the contraindication information useable to determine theprudence of a medication user consuming both the first and secondmedications, wherein the processor retrieves the specifying andcontraindication information from the specifying devices and the datastorage device, respectively, and uses the specifying andcontraindication information to determine the prudence of consuming boththe first and second medications.

Some embodiments may include a warning indicator wherein, when theprocessor determines that the first and second medications should not beconsumed by the same user, the processor causes the warning indicator toindicate that the medications should not be consumed together.

In some embodiments the specifying information in the first and secondcontainer specifying devices identifies each of the first and secondmedications, respectively. The specifying information may includeinformation useable by the processor to identify the first and secondmedication types and to determine the consumption regimens for each ofthe first and second medications and, wherein the processor may use theconsumption regimens, medication types and contraindication informationto determine the prudence of taking the medications according to theconsumption regimens.

One other embodiment of the invention includes a medication system forperforming at least one health safety function related to a medication,the system comprising at least one container for holding doses of amedication, the container having a specifying device containingspecifying information related to the medication to be held in thecontainer, a sensor defining a sensing area, the sensor for receivingspecifying information from the specifying device when the specifyingdevice is within the sensing area, a processor linked to the sensor, adatabase accessible to the processor wherein the database includes atleast one message related to the specifying information, the interfacefor providing messages to a system user and a user interface linked tothe processor

wherein, when the specifying device is within the sensing area, thesensor receives the specifying information and provides the specifyinginformation to the processor, the processor using the specifyinginformation to perform at least one health safety function, the healthsafety function including accessing the database and retrieving the atleast one message related to the specifying information and presentingthe message to the user via the interface. Here the database may beaccessible to the processor via a computer network. In the alternativethe database may be stored on the specifying device.

In some cases the message includes a questionnaire including at leastone question and the health safety function further includes, after theat least one question has been presented, facilitating entry of ananswer via the interface and, when an answer is entered, storing theanswer.

In some cases the specifying information also includes information fromwhich the processor can identify a medication consumption regimen, thehealth safety function further including the processor determining theconsumption regimen and, in response to at least a subset of useranswers to questionnaires, modifying the consumption regimen.

In several embodiments the system further includes a warning indicatorand a timing device linked to the processor wherein, after the processoridentifies the consumption regimen, the processor tracks the time andcauses the warning indicator to indicate each time the medication shouldbe consumed.

In one embodiment the invention includes a medication system forperforming at least one health safety function related to a medication,the system comprising at least one container for holding doses of amedication, the container having a specifying device containingspecifying information related to the medication to be held in thecontainer, a sensor defining a sensing area, the sensor for receivingspecifying information from the specifying device when the specifyingdevice is within the sensing area, a processor linked to the sensor, atiming device linked to the processor, a database accessible to theprocessor and a consumption indicator linked to the processor, theindicator activatable to indicate that the user is consuming a dose ofmedication from the container, wherein, when the specifying device iswithin the sensing area, the sensor receives the specifying informationand provides the specifying information to the processor, the processorusing the specifying information to perform at least one health safetyfunction, the health safety function including the processor, when theconsumption indicator is activated, identifying the activation time andstoring the activation time as user consumption record in the database.

The health safety function may further include the processor presentingthe user consumption record to the user for review.

Another embodiment includes a medication system for performing at leastone health safety function related to a medication, the system includingat least one container for holding doses of a medication, the containerhaving a specifying device containing specifying information related tothe medication to be held in the container, a sensor defining a sensingarea, the sensor for receiving specifying information from thespecifying device when the specifying device is within the sensing areaand a processor linked to the sensor, wherein, when the specifyingdevice is within the sensing area, the sensor receives the specifyinginformation and provides the specifying information to the processor,the processor using the specifying information to perform at least onehealth safety function, wherein the container and medication to bestored therein are a first container and a first medication and thesystem further includes at least a second container for holding doses ofa second medication, the second container having a second specifyingdevice containing specifying information related to the secondmedication, when the second specifying device is positioned within thesensing area the processor receiving the corresponding specifyinginformation and identifying the consumption regimen for the secondmedication, the health safety function including identifying relativeconsumption times for each of the first and second medications as afunction of both the first and second container specifying information.

The system may further include a warning indicator and a timing devicelinked to the processor wherein, after the processor identifies theconsumption regimens, the processor tracks the time and causes thewarning indicator to indicate each time either of the first or secondmedications should be consumed.

Yet a further embodiment includes a medication system for performing atleast one health safety function related to a medication, the systemcomprising at least one container for holding doses of a medication, thecontainer having a specifying device containing specifying informationrelated to the medication to be held in the container, the specifyinginformation including information related to the number of separatemedication doses to be included in the container, a sensor defining asensing area, the sensor for receiving specifying information from thespecifying device when the specifying device is within the sensing area,a processor linked to the sensor and a consumption indicator linked tothe processor wherein, the consumption indicator is activatable toindicate that the user is consuming a dose of medication from thecontainer wherein, when the specifying device is within the sensingarea, the sensor receives the specifying information and provides thespecifying information to the processor, the processor using thespecifying information to perform at least one health safety function,the health safety function including the processor determining, based onthe number of medication doses and the number of consumption indicatoractivations, when a medication refill should be ordered.

Here the system may include a warning indicator linked to the processor,the health safety function further including causing the warningindicator to indicate when a medication refill should be ordered. In thealternative or in addition the processor may be linked to a medicationreorder server via a computer network, the health safety functionfurther including the processor transmitting a refill order to theserver when the refill should be ordered.

In addition to the systems described above the invention also includes aplurality of methods that can be used by the systems. To this end, theinvention also includes a method for performing at least one healthsafety function, the method for use with a system including at least onecontainer for holding doses of medication, the container having aspecifying device containing specifying information useable to determinea prescribed dosing regimen for the medication, the method comprisingthe steps of providing a sensor defining a sensing area that is largeenough to receive at least two separate specifying devices at one time,the sensor for receiving the specifying information from the specifyingdevices when the specifying devices are within the sensing area, thesensor linkable to the processor, positioning at least one specifyingdevice within the sensing area, receiving the specifying information,using the specifying information to identify prescribed dosing regimeninformation; and performing at least one health safety function as afunction of the prescribed dosing regimen information.

Here, the health safety function may include indicating when to consumeeach medication for which a specifying device is within the sensingarea, the method further including the steps of providing acommunication device that is linkable to the processor, receiving thespecifying information for each specifying device in the sensing area,using the specifying information to identify a predetermined time totake each of the medications, determining when the predetermined timeoccurs for each of the medications, and causing the communication deviceto indicate the medications to be consumed at the predetermined times.

The step of providing a sensor may include providing a sensor thatdefines at least two separate sensing areas for receiving specifyinginformation from separate containers, the step of providing acommunication device may include providing a separate visual warningindicator adjacent each of the sensing areas and, wherein, the step ofindicating may include causing the communication device corresponding toa specific medication to indicate by activating the visual warningindicator adjacent medication to be consumed.

The specifying information in some embodiments includes a serial numberand the processor is linkable to a memory device that correlates serialnumbers with prescribed dosing regimens and wherein the step ofidentifying includes identifying the dosing regimen by correlating theserial number and the regimen.

The health safety function in several embodiments includes recordingconsumption times, the method further for use with a readable andwritable memory device and a consumption indicator that are linkable tothe processor, the consumption indicator operable to obtain consumptiontime information which the processor records in the memory device, themethod further including the step of monitoring the indicator toidentify consumption time.

The method may also be for use in recording consumption times. In thesecases, in some embodiments, the system further includes a readable andwritable memory device and a consumption indicator that are linkable tothe processor, the consumption indicator operable to obtain consumptiontime information which the processor records in the memory device, themethod further including the step of monitoring the indicator toidentify consumption time. The health safety function may includedetermining when determining when a medication is consumed too early.

Yet another method is for recording medication consumption times, themethod to be used with a system including at least one container forholding doses of medication, the container having a specifying devicecontaining specifying information useable to determine the type ofmedication in the container, a readable and writable memory device, anindication device, a sensor defining a sensing area, the sensor forreceiving the specifying information when the specifying device iswithin the sensing area and a processor in communication with a timingdevice and also linkable to the consumption indicator, the memory deviceand the sensor, the method comprising the steps of:

positioning the memory device within the sensing area, the processor:receiving the specifying information, using the specifying informationto identify the medication type, monitoring the indicator for operation,when the consumption indicator is operated, determining the consumptiontime and storing the consumption time and medication type in the memorydevice. Here, the specifying information may include a serial number andthe processor may be linkable to a memory device that correlates serialnumbers with medication types and the step of identifying medicationtype may include the step of correlating the serial number and themedication type.

In some embodiments the at least one container includes severalcontainers, each container includes a specifying device, the sensingarea can receive more than one specifying device at a time and, wherein,when more than one specifying device is within the sensing area, thestep of receiving includes receiving the specifying information fromeach of the specifying devices.

One other inventive method is for indicating times when medicationshould be consumed, the method to be used with at least one containerfor holding doses of medication, the container having a specifyingdevice containing specifying information useable to determine aprescribed dosing regimen for the medication, a communication device, asensor defining a sensing area, the sensor for receiving the specifyinginformation when the specifying device is within the sensing area and aprocessor in communication with a timing device and also linkable to thecommunication device and the sensor, the method comprising the steps ofthe processor: receiving the specifying information, using thespecifying information to identify prescribed dosing regimen informationand a predetermined time to take the medication, determining when thepredetermined time occurs and causing the communication device toindicate when the predetermined time occurs.

Another method is for performing at least one health safety functionrelated to a medication, the method for use with a system including atleast one container for holding doses of a medication, the containerhaving a specifying device containing specifying information related tothe medication to be held in the container, the specifying informationincludes information that can be used by the processor to identify aconsumption regimen for the user for which the medication wasprescribed, a sensor defining a sensing area, the sensor for receivingspecifying information from the specifying device when the specifyingdevice is within the sensing area, a processor linked to the sensor, atiming device linked to the processor wherein and a consumptionindicator linked to the processor, the consumption indicator activatableto indicate that the user is consuming a dose of medication from thecontainer, the method comprising the steps of positioning the specifyingdevice is within the sensing area, the processor: receiving thespecifying information, using the specifying information to identify theconsumption regimen;

Monitoring the consumption indicator to identify activation and uponactivation determining if the activation time occurs at a consumptionregimen time. This method may further be used with a warning indicatorand the method may further cause the warning indicator to indicate anoccurrence related to the health safety function. In the alternative themethod may further include, upon determining that the activation time isinconsistent with a consumption regimen time, causing the warningindicator to indicate the inconsistency. As another alternative themethod may, upon determining that the activation time is inconsistentwith a consumption regimen time, store the inconsistency in a database.In yet another alternative the method may further includes causing thewarning indicator to indicate when consumption times occur and, when theactivation time is prior to a next consumption time, modifying the nextconsumption time. The modifying step may include skipping the nextconsumption time.

Some systems may include a warning indicator and a timing device linkedto the processor and the method may further include, after the step ofidentifying the consumption regimen, tracking the time and causing thewarning indicator to indicate each time the medication should beconsumed.

The system may further include a consumption indicator for indicating aremote consumption period to the processor during which a medicationuser intends to consume the medication, the health safety functionfurther including determining consumption requirements during the remoteconsumption period based on the consumption regimen and indicating theconsumption requirements to the user. Here, the system may furtherinclude a warning indicator and a timing device linked to the processorwherein, after the processor identifies the consumption regimen, themethod further includes tracking the time and causes the warningindicator to indicate each time the medication should be consumed and,when the user indicates a remote consumption period, canceling theconsumption indications during the remote consumption period.

The system may further include a database accessible by the processor,the database correlating the medication to be stored in the containerwith a consumption regimen, the specifying information identifying themedication to be stored in the container, the step of identifying theconsumption regimen including correlating the medication type to bestored in the container with the corresponding consumption regimen inthe database.

Another method is for performing at least one health safety functionrelated to a medication, the method for use with a system including atleast one container for holding doses of a medication, the containerhaving a specifying device containing specifying information related tothe medication to be held in the container, the specifying informationincluding information that can be used by the processor to determine ifthe user for whom the medication has been prescribed is allergic to themedication, a sensor defining a sensing area, the sensor for receivingspecifying information from the specifying device when the specifyingdevice is within the sensing area and a processor linked to the sensor,the method comprising the steps of positioning the specifying devicewithin the sensing area and the processor: receiving the specifyinginformation, using the specifying information to perform at least onehealth safety function wherein the health safety function includesdetermining if the user is allergic to the medication.

The system may further include a warning indicator and the method mayfurther include the step of, if the processor determines that the useris allergic to the medication, causing the warning indicator to indicatethat the user is allergic to the medication.

The system may further include a database accessible by the processor,the database including allergy information related to the medicationuser's allergies, the specifying information including at leastmedication type, the step of determining if the user is allergicincluding comparing the medication type to the allergy information.

Yet another method is for performing at least one health safety functionrelated to a medication, the method for use with a system including atleast one container for holding doses of a medication, the containerhaving a specifying device containing specifying information related tothe medication to be held in the container, a sensor defining a sensingarea, the sensor for receiving specifying information from thespecifying device when the specifying device is within the sensing areaand a processor linked to the sensor, wherein the container andmedication to be stored therein are a first container and a firstmedication prescribed for a first user and the method further includesat least a second container for storing at least a second medication forat least a second user, the second container including a secondspecifying device, the sensor receiving specifying information from thesecond specifying device when the second device is positioned within thesensing area, the specifying information indicating at least medicationtype and medication user, the method comprising the steps of positioningthe specifying device within the sensing area, the processor: receivingthe specifying information and organizing at least a sub-set of thespecifying information for each container according to medication user.

In one embodiment the specifying information includes information thatcan be used by the processor to identify a consumption regimen for theuser for which the medication was prescribed, the step of organizingincluding identifying the consumption regimen for each container andorganizing the consumption regimens according to medication user.

In another embodiment the system further includes a warning indicatorand a timing device linked to the processor wherein, after the step ofidentifying a consumption regimen, the method further includes the stepsof tracking the time and causes the warning indicator to indicate eachtime the medication corresponding to the regimen should be consumed andto indicate for which of the first and second user's the medication tobe consumed has been prescribed.

Another method is for performing at least one health safety functionrelated to a medication, the method to be used with a system includingat least one container for holding doses of a medication, the containerhaving a specifying device containing specifying information related tothe medication to be held in the container, a sensor defining a sensingarea, the sensor for receiving specifying information from thespecifying device when the specifying device is within the sensing area,a processor linked to the sensor, a second container for holding dosesof a second medication, the second container having a specifying devicecontaining specifying information related to the second medication, whenthe second container specifying device is within the sensing area, thesensor receiving specifying information from the device, and a datastorage device including contraindication information related to aplurality of medications, the contraindication information useable todetermine the prudence of a medication user consuming both the first andsecond medications, the method comprising the steps of:

Positioning each the specifying devices within the sensing area and theprocessor: receiving the specifying information from each of thedevices, retrieving the contraindication information from the storagedevice and using the specifying information and the contraindicationinformation to determine the prudence of a medication user consumingeach of first and second medications.

In another embodiment the system further includes a warning indicator,the method further including, when it is determined that the first andsecond medications should not be consumed by the same user, the causingthe warning indicator to indicate that the medications should not beconsumed together. In other embodiments the specifying informationincludes information useable by the processor to identify the first andsecond medication types and to determine the consumption regimens foreach of the first and second medications and, wherein the step of usingfurther includes using the consumption regimens, medication types andcontraindication information to determine the prudence of taking themedications according to the consumption regimens.

One other method is for performing at least one health safety functionrelated to a medication, the method for use with a system including atleast one container for holding doses of a medication, the containerhaving a specifying device containing specifying information related tothe medication to be held in the container, a sensor defining a sensingarea, the sensor for receiving specifying information from thespecifying device when the specifying device is within the sensing area,a processor linked to the sensor, a database accessible to the processorwherein the database includes at least one message related to thespecifying information, the interface for providing messages to a methoduser and a user interface linked to the processor, the method comprisingthe steps of providing the specifying device within the sensing area,the processor: receiving the specifying information, using thespecifying information to access the database and retrieve the at leastone message related to the specifying information and presenting themessage to the user via the interface.

In some embodiments the message includes a questionnaire including atleast one question and the method further includes, after the at leastone question has been presented, facilitating entry of an answer via theinterface and, when an answer is entered, storing the answer.

According to another method for performing at least one health safetyfunction related to a medication, the method for use with a systemincluding at least one container for holding doses of a medication, thecontainer having a specifying device containing specifying informationrelated to the medication to be held in the container, a sensor defininga sensing area, the sensor for receiving specifying information from thespecifying device when the specifying device is within the sensing area,a processor linked to the sensor, a timing device linked to theprocessor, a database accessible to the processor and a consumptionindicator linked to the processor, the indicator activatable to indicatethat the user is consuming a dose of medication from the container, themethod comprising the steps of providing the specifying device withinthe sensing area and the processor: receiving the specifyinginformation, monitoring indicator activation and when the consumptionindicator is activated, identifying the activation time and themedication and storing the activation time and medication type as a userconsumption record in the database.

Another method is for performing at least one health safety functionrelated to a medication, the method for use with a system including atleast one container for holding doses of a medication, the containerhaving a specifying device containing specifying information related tothe medication to be held in the container, a sensor defining a sensingarea, the sensor for receiving specifying information from thespecifying device when the specifying device is within the sensing areaand a processor linked to the sensor, wherein the container andmedication to be stored therein are a first container and a firstmedication and the method further includes at least a second containerfor holding doses of a second medication, the second container having asecond specifying device containing specifying information related tothe second medication, when the second specifying device is positionedwithin the sensing area the processor receiving the correspondingspecifying information and identifying the consumption regimen for thesecond medication, the method including the steps of providing each ofthe specifying devices within the sensing area and the processor:receiving the specifying information from each of the devices, using thespecifying information to identify relative consumption times for eachof the first and second medications as a function of both the first andsecond container specifying information.

One other method is for performing at least one health safety functionrelated to a medication, the method for use with a system including atleast one container for holding doses of a medication, the containerhaving a specifying device containing specifying information related tothe medication to be held in the container, the specifying informationincluding information related to the number of separate medication dosesto be included in the container, a sensor defining a sensing area, thesensor for receiving specifying information from the specifying devicewhen the specifying device is within the sensing area, a processorlinked to the sensor and a consumption indicator linked to the processorwherein, the consumption indicator is activatable to indicate that theuser is consuming a dose of medication from the container, the methodcomprising the steps of providing each of the specifying devices withinthe sensing area and the processor: receiving the specifying informationfrom each of the devices, using the specifying information to perform atleast one health safety function, the health safety function includingthe processor determining, based on the number of medication doses andthe number of consumption indicator activations, when a medicationrefill should be ordered. Here the system may further include a warningindicator linked to the processor, the method further including causingthe warning indicator to indicate when a medication refill should beordered. Also the processor may be linked to a medication reorder servervia a computer network, the method further including the processortransmitting a refill order to the server when the refill should beordered.

Yet one other method is for performing at least one health safetyfunction, the system comprising at least one container for holding dosesof medication, the container having a specifying device containingspecifying information useable to identify information related to themedication, a sensor defining a sensing area, the sensor for receivingthe specifying information when the specifying device is within thesensing area and a processor linked to a memory device, wherein theprocessor receives and uses the specifying information to identifyinformation related to the medication and the processor performs atleast one health safety function as a function of the informationrelated to the container, the health safety function being one ofidentifying allergies, comparing the medication information to otherinformation to identify contraindication conditions, tracking medicationconsumption, after an indication is received that a medication is goingto be consumed, determining if the consumption time is consistent with aregimen for the medication, scheduling medication consumption as afunction of the medication information and other information stored inthe memory device, determining when to reorder medication, reorderingmedication, modifying medication consumption regimen, creating a recordof medication consumption and providing other information from thememory device that is related to the specifying information.

Another inventive method is for indicating times when medication shouldbe consumed, the method to be used with at least one container forholding doses of medication, the container having a specifying devicecontaining specifying information useable to determine a prescribeddosing regimen for the medication, a communication device, a sensordefining a sensing area, the sensor for receiving the specifyinginformation when the specifying device is within the sensing area and aprocessor in communication with a timing device and also linkable to thecommunication device and the sensor, the method comprising the steps ofat a first time, positioning the specifying device within the sensingarea, receiving the specifying information from the specifying device inthe sensing area, using the specifying information to identify apredetermined time to take the medication, determining when thepredetermined time occurs at a second time subsequent to the first time,indicating via the communication device that the medication containerincluding the medication to be consumed at the predetermined time shouldbe positioned such that the sensor is within the sensing area,retrieving a container, positioning the retrieved container such thatthe specifying device on the retrieved container is within the sensingarea, receiving at least a sub-set of information from the specifyingdevice on the retrieved container that is useable to identify thecontainer, comparing the sub-set of information to the specifyinginformation received at the first time to determine if the retrievedcontainer is the container storing the medication to be consumed at thepredetermined time and indicating via the communication device whetheror not a dose of medication from the retrieved container should beconsumed.

Here the communication device in some embodiments includes a visualdevice and the step of indicating includes modifying the informationcommunicated via the display. The communication device may include alight and wherein the step of indicating that a container including themedication should be positioned such that the specifying device iswithin the sensing area includes illuminating the light. The step ofindicating whether or not a dose of medication should be consumed mayinclude the step of modifying the illumination of the light.

One more method includes modifying consumption times of medications, themethod for use with a processor linkable to a memory device whereconsumption regimens corresponding to at least first and secondmedications to be consumed by a patient are stored in the memory device,the method comprising the steps of identifying the first and secondmedication consumption times and when the first medication consumptiontime is within a threshold period of the second medication consumptiontime, indicating that each of the first and second medications should beconsumed at essentially the same time.

Another embodiment includes a method for providing a medication regimento a remote device for remote support of at least one health safetyfunction, the method for use with a processor linkable to a memorydevice, the memory device including regimen information for at least onemedication to be consumed by a patient, the method also for use with aremote device for indicating medication consumption times, the processorcapable of providing information to the remote device, the methodcomprising the steps of indicating to the processor a remote consumptionperiod during which medications are to be consumed remotely, identifyingthe medications regimens for the patient that require medicationconsumption during the remote consumption period, placing the remotedevice proximate the processor so that the processor can provideinformation to the remote device, providing the portions of themedication regimens that correspond to the remote consumption period tothe remote device, storing the medication regimens on the remote deviceand indicating, via the remote device, the times prescribed by thestored medication regimen during the remote use.

Other advantages and aspects of the invention will become apparent uponreview of the specification, claims and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional, childproof, medicationcontainer consisting of a cylindrical vial and a removable cap;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the presentmedication container invention including a container in the form of acylindrical vial with an interactive label having an electronic memorystrip, and an automated cap that seals the open end of the vial;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the inventionshowing the automated cap removed from the vial to reveal the electricalcontacts of the memory strip;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional, side plan view of the first embodiment ofthe invention showing the electronic memory strip and its electricalcontacts on the wall of the vial, and an automated cap with a resilientsealing disc, battery, audio, illuminating and vibrational alarms;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, cross-sectional, side plan view of theinteractive label showing the memory strip, electrical contacts,adhesive coating, protective coating and removable insulating layer;

FIG. 6 is an elevation view of the automated cap showing the sensorsthat engage the electrical contacts of the memory strip;

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the underside of the automated cap used inthe first vial-type embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a chart listing a variety of prescription information andprogram codes that can be contained in the memory strip of theinteractive label;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the circuitry in the automatedcap;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged, diagrammatic view of a portion of the automatedcap positioned over the vial, the armature of the locking mechanism ofthe cap engaging the top of one securement ratchet of the vial, and apair of hold down lugs of the cap aligned between the securementratchets of the vial;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged, diagrammatic view of a portion of the automatedcap in a locked position on the vial, the armature of the lockingmechanism of the cap received between the securement ratchets of thevial, and the hold down lugs being received in the cup of its respectivesecurement ratchet;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the medicationcontainer invention including a conventional, non-automated cap thatseals a vial with an interactive label, and a sensing element and cablethat conveys information to a separate computer or personal alertingdevice;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of theinvention where the medication container includes a cylindrical vialwith an interactive label having an electronic memory strip, and aconventional cap;

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view showing a sensing device used toconvey information in the memory strip of the medication container to aseparate computer;

FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of the sensing device showing thesensors that engage the electrical contacts of the memory strip;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the presentmedication container invention including a container in the form of acylindrical vial with an interactive label having a number of conductiveor reflective surfaces, and an automated cap that seals the open end ofthe vial;

FIG. 17 is an elevation view of the automated cap for the thirdembodiment of the invention showing a plurality of sensors on the insideof the cap that sense the conductive or reflective surfaces of theinteractive label;

FIG. 18 is a top, plan view of a fourth embodiment of the presentmedication container invention including a container in the form of adisc shaped blister pack with an interactive label having an electronicmemory strip affixed to a central surface of the blister pack;

FIG. 19 is a side, cross sectional view of FIG. 18 taken along line19-19 showing a dose of medication in a pocket of the blister back andthe interactive label affixed to the tear resistant sheet;

FIG. 20 is a top, plan view showing the lid of a semi-automateddispenser equipped with a dispensing lever, finger latches, a display,an audible alert, “Eject” and “Next Dose” buttons;

FIG. 21 is a side, plan view showing the disc shaped blister pack insidea semi-automated dispenser in an opened position;

FIG. 22 is a side, cross-sectional view of FIG. 20 taken along lines22-22 and showing the semi-automated dispenser with its plunger in alocked position;

FIG. 23 is a side, cross-sectional view of FIG. 20 taken along lines23-23 and showing the semi-automated dispenser with its plunger beingraised into a dispensing position;

FIG. 24 is a bottom, plan view of the dispenser showing an alternateembodiment of the blister pack container where the interactive label issecured to the backing sheet of the blister pack so that the textualportion of the label is visible through a window in the base of thedispenser;

FIG. 25 is a schematic drawing of an alternate circuitry to FIG. 9 whereboth the computer processor and memory strip are affixed to the vial orblister pack, and the other hardware components are contained in the capor lid;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the presentmedication container invention including several vial shaped containersof medication secured to a console or unitary lid, each vial having itsown machine readable information strip, and the console having aseparate indicator light, display and access door for each vial;

FIG. 27 is a partial, rear cross-sectional view of the multi-vialmedication container of FIG. 26 with one vial secured to an associatedporthole of the console or unitary lid and adjacent access doors intheir open and closed positions;

FIG. 28 is a schematic drawing of a circuitry for the multi-vial ormulti-blister pack medication container with the multi-set componentsgrouped at the lower left of the schematic;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the presentmedication container invention in the form of a multi-vial medicationcontainer with the vials secured to portholes located along a topplatform of an L-shaped console or unitary lid, and the consolecontaining a single display and several selectors for removingmedication from the vials;

FIG. 30 is a partial, rear cross-sectional view of the multi-vialmedication container of FIG. 29 showing one inverted vial secured in anassociated porthole with its selector in its closed position, and anadjacent selector in its open position;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the presentinvention in the form of a multi-blister cassette medication container,where each cassette is secured to a slot in the top of the platform ofthe L-shaped console or unitary lid, and each cassette holds a free endof the blister strip extending through an associated opening in theconsole;

FIG. 32 is a partial, rear sectional view of the container of FIG. 31showing one blister cassette secured in its associated slot;

FIG. 33 is a side sectional view of the container of FIG. 31 showing itsblister strip coiled inside the cassette with the blister pack at thefree end in a reserve position;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the blister cassette used with themedication container of FIG. 31, the cassette being equipped with a barcode memory device;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of an eighth embodiment of the presentmedication container invention consisting of a cylindrical vial with aninteractive label having an electronic memory strip, a removable capthat seals the open end of the vial and an automated reminder unit thatmates to the vial;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the eighth embodiment of the presentinvention where vial, reminder, and cap of the medication container aresecured together;

FIG. 36 a is a cross sectional, plan view of the eighth embodiment ofthe invention showing the vial mated to the reminder unit, so that theelectrical contacts of the reminder unit are in physical contact withthe electrical contacts of the memory strip of the interactive label;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the eighth embodiment of the inventionwithout a reminder unit;

FIG. 38 is an enlarged, diagrammatic view of a portion of the reminderunit when mated to the vial so that it is positioned under the cap, thearmature of the locking mechanism of the reminder engaging the bottom ofone hold down lug of the cap and aligned between the securement ratchetsof the vial;

FIG. 39 is an enlarged, diagrammatic view of a portion of the reminderunit in a locked position on the vial, the armature of the lockingmechanism of the reminder unit received between the securement ratchetsof the vial, and the hold down lugs being received in the cup of itsrespective securement ratchet;

FIG. 40 is an perspective view of a ninth embodiment of the presentmedication container invention having of a pressurized cylindricalmedication cartridge with an interactive label having an electronicmemory strip, an aerosol inhaler dispenser, and an automated reminderunit that mates to the dispenser;

FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view of the ninth embodiment of theinvention showing the cartridge in the aerosol dispenser and thereminder unit mated to the dispenser, so that the electrical contacts ofthe reminder unit are in physical contact with the electrical contactsof the memory strip of the interactive label;

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a tenth embodiment of the presentmedication container invention including several vials of medicationsecured to a unitary console or dispenser, each vial having its ownmachine readable information strip, and the dispenser having a separateindicator light, display and mating slot for each vial;

FIG. 43 is a plan cross-sectional view of the multi-vial medicationcontainer of FIG. 42 with one vial secured to an associated slot of theunitary console or dispenser and one vial with mated reminder unitsecured to a separate associated slot of the of the reminder unit;

FIG. 44 is a side cross-sectional view of the multi-vial medicationcontainer of FIG. 42 with one vial and mated reminder unit secured to anassociated slot of the unitary dispenser;

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of a portable medication containerconsisting of a body defining a compartment and a lid to close thecompartment, the lid including a reminder unit;

FIG. 46 is a schematic of a comprehensive medication management systemconsisting of medication dispensers and a remote medication system thatcommunicate with each other using a communication network;

FIG. 47 is a chart listing a variety of information for a patient,including information about each medication they have been prescribed toconsume, and questionnaires that are presented to the patient, andstored in the memory of the medication system, and transferred to thememory of dispensers or interactive labels;

FIG. 48 is a chart listing medication information for a specificmedication, the information being stored in the memory of the medicationsystem;

FIG. 49 is a schematic diagram showing the circuitry in the reminderunit of the portable container of FIG. 45;

FIG. 50 is a chart listing pharmacy identification information used by adispenser to identify an associated pharmacy from which to reordermedication;

FIG. 51 is a perspective view of an alternate structure of the tenthembodiment of the present invention where the medication containerincludes several vials of medication that use a radio frequencyidentification (RFID) tag as the interactive label with electronicmemory strip;

FIG. 52 is a plan cross-sectional view of the multi-vial medicationcontainer of FIG. 51 with two vials placed in adjoining slots of themulti-vial medication container;

FIG. 53 is a cross sectional, plan view of the eighth embodiment of theinvention showing the vial mated to the reminder unit, the reminder unitnow using a radio frequency (RF) antenna to read the RFID tag of aninteractive label attached to a vial, but not the interactive label ofan adjoining second vial;

FIG. 54 is a representation of a time line showing predetermined timesto consume a medication;

FIG. 55 is an alternate representation of a time line showingpredetermined times to take a medication;

FIG. 56 is another alternate representation of a time line showingpredetermined times to take a medication;

FIG. 57 is a representation of a medication consumption table showingspecific medication consumption times for specific medications;

FIG. 58 is a flow chart of information between a memory strip to amulti-vial medication container to a comprehensive medication managementsystem and then back to the multi-vial medication container;

FIG. 59 is a perspective view of an eleventh embodiment of the presentmedication container invention including several containers ofmedication placed on a unitary console or dispenser, each containerhaving its own machine readable information strip, and the dispenserhaving a separate indicator light, display and mating slot for eachvial;

FIG. 60 is a perspective view of medication containers with machinereadable labels;

FIG. 61 is a perspective view of a blister pack medication containerwith a machine readable label and conductive runs that are machinereadable and used to determine when medication has been removed from anindividual blister;

FIG. 62 is a schematic drawing of a circuitry used with the blister packof FIG. 61, showing a RF transceiver, memory, conductive runs, andcontrol logic circuits;

FIG. 63 is a representation of two time lines showing two proximalpredetermined times to alert a patient to consume two differentmedications and a third time line showing a single time to alert thepatient to consume both medications;

FIG. 64 is a perspective view of a twelfth embodiment of the presentmedication container invention using one or more containers ofmedication that are associated with a unitary console or dispenser, eachcontainer having its own machine readable information strip;

FIG. 65 is a perspective view of an alternate form of the twelfthembodiment of the present medication container invention using one ormore containers of medication that are associated with a unitary consoleor dispenser, each container having its own machine readable informationstrip and the console is used with a portable container and reminderdevice;

FIG. 66 is a side sectional view of the removable, portable subassemblyof the twelfth embodiment of the present medication container inventionshowing placement of a sensor to read the memory strip of a containerand a medication compartment;

FIG. 67 is a plan view of an alternate form of the twelfth embodiment ofthe present medication container invention now in the form of a portablepersonal that can be worn;

FIG. 68 is a perspective view of the thirteenth embodiment of thepresent medication container invention in the form of a medicationcabinet for housing one for more medication containers with machinereadable memory strips and a unitary console or dispenser;

FIG. 69 is a schematic diagram of a schedule page or screen shotgenerated by an integrative device; and

FIG. 70 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the inventionparticularly useful for operation by two medication users.

FIG. 71 is a front view of a card with a preprogrammed memory devicewith identification text printed on the memory device.

FIG. 72 is a sectional view of the card of FIG. 70.

FIG. 73 is a perspective view of a medication container with the memorydevice of FIG. 70 attached to it and a mating reminder cap.

FIG. 74 is a top view of the medication container of FIG. 73 showing thememory device of FIG. 70 attached to it.

FIG. 75 is s perspective view of the medication container of FIG. 73with the mating reminder cap attached to it so it can read the memorydevice.

FIG. 76 is a front view of a card with another exemplary preprogrammedmemory device with identification text printed in the memory device

FIG. 77 is a top view of the memory device of FIG. 76 showing memorydevice of FIG. 76 attached to a medication container.

FIG. 78 is a front view of a card with another exemplary preprogrammedmemory device part of an adhesive plastic base with identification textprinted in the memory device.

FIG. 79 is a perspective view of the plastic base of FIG. 78 beingattached to a medication container.

FIG. 80 is a perspective view of the medication container with plasticbase of FIG. 79 being inserted into a reminder device.

FIG. 81 is a perspective view of the medication container with plasticbase of FIG. 79 being insert into a reminder device.

FIG. 82 is a frontal view of a medication blister pack with a memorydevice attached to it including identifier text.

FIG. 83 is a frontal view of the medication blister pack with a memorydevice inserted into a reminder device.

FIG. 84 is a frontal view of a medication label with a memory devicesuitable for use with a printer.

FIG. 85 is schematic view of a medication label and memory device printstation for use in a pharmacy.

FIG. 86 is a frontal view of the medication label of FIG. 84 after beingprinted with prescription information.

FIG. 87 is a frontal view of a customer affinity card for use at apharmacy.

FIG. 88 is an interactive screen presentation allowing a customer tocreate or modify a memory device.

FIG. 89 is another interactive screen presentation allowing a customerto create or modify a memory device.

FIG. 90 is another interactive screen presentation allowing a customerto create or modify a memory device.

FIG. 91 is the contents of a database holding customer preferences forconsuming medication or using medical devices.

FIG. 92 is a frontal view of another memory device with a textual label.

FIG. 93 is a perspective view of the memory device with textual labelattached to a medication container allowing text on an existing label tothe read thru a transparent adhesive section.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to an interactive medication container.While the invention is susceptible of embodiments in many differentforms, there are shown in the drawings and will herein be described,several forms of the invention with the understanding that the presentdisclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principlesof the invention, and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of theinvention to the several embodiments illustrated.

First Embodiment

FIGS. 2-11 show a first embodiment of the invention where the container10 includes a vial 20 with an interactive label or specifying device 50(for storing specifying information useable to determine a prescribeddosing regimen or to support some other health safety function asdescribed in more detail below) and an automated cap 100 with a sensingtab 110 for reading the electronically stored information 80 on thelabel and a computer processor 120 for controlling a visual display anda variety of alarms. As best shown in FIGS. 2-4, the vial 20 includes acompartment 21 defined by a cylindrical wall 22, a closed bottom end 24and an open top end 25. Medication 15 is inserted into and removed fromthe compartment 21 via the open end 25 of the vial 20. The cylinder hasan inner surface 26 and an outer surface 27. The vial 20 is made of aunitary piece of relatively rigid plastic similar to other conventionalvial-type medication containers.

The vial 20 includes a first means for aligning the interactive label 50with a predetermined location of the wall 22. This alignment means isaccomplished by forming a recess 28 in the outer surface 27 of the wall22. The recess 28 is defined by an inwardly projecting ridge 29 thatextends around the perimeter of the recess. While this first alignmentmeans is shown as recess 28, it should be understood that it could takeon a variety of forms. For example, an outwardly projecting ridge (notshown) protruding from the wall 22 of the vial 20 or a raisedsubstantially flat platform (not shown) protruding from the wall couldbe used. It should also be understood that the label 50 could be locatedon the inside surface 26 of the vial 20 without departing from the broadaspects of the invention.

The vial 20 includes a second means for aligning the automated cap 100with the vial 20 so that the sensing tab 110 of the cap is properlyaligned with the interactive label 50 as discussed below. The secondalignment means is accomplished by a guide ring 30 protruding from theouter surface 27 of the vial 20. The guide ring 30 is located at asubstantially uniform, predetermined distance from the open end 25 ofthe vial. The guide ring surrounds most of the wall 22 of the vial. Theguide ring has an opening 31 defined by its two ends 32 and 34. The ends32 and 34 of the guide ring 30 are spaced apart a predetermined distanceso that opening 31 has a predetermined size for accommodating sensingtab 110 as discussed below. While the second alignment means is shownand described as being guide ring 30, it should be understood that thesecond alignment means could take on other forms without departing fromthe broad aspects of the invention.

The vial 20 has several securement ratchets 40 for securing and sealingthe cap 100 against the open end 25 of the vial. The ratchets 40 areevenly spaced around the open end 25, and protrude from the outersurface 27 of the vial 20. The ratchets are similar to those found onconventional childproof medication containers as in FIG. 1. Each ratchetincludes a cup portion 42, a top surface 44, a wedge 45 and a sidesurface 46. Although the ratchets 40 are shown and described as beingevenly spaced from each other as in a conventional vial, it should beunderstood that one or more of the ratchets could be offset. Such anoffset arrangement could be used to accomplish the second alignmentmeans in lieu of guide ring 30.

As best shown in FIGS. 3-5, medication container 10 includes interactivelabel 50. The label 50 is affixed in the recess 28 in the wall 22 of thevial 20 so that the left edge of the label abuts and is aligned with theridge 29 forming the left side of the recess. The upper edge of thelabel 50 abuts the ridge forming the upper side of the recess 28. Thisalignment positions the label 50 into its desired location on the wall22 of the vial 20.

The interactive label 50 includes a paper backing 51 sized to fit inrecess 28. The front surface of the paper backing 51 has a textualportion 52. The textual portion 52 includes textual information such asthe patient's name, the medication name, the dosing regimen (e.g.,daily, four times a day, etc.), the number of pills or capsules toconsume during each dose, and any special instructions regarding theproper consumption of the medication (e.g., take an hour before meals).The rear surface of the backing paper 51 includes an adhesive coating 55for affixing the label in the recess 28 of the wall 22 of the vial 20.

The interactive label 50 includes an electronic, machine readable andwritable memory strip 60. The memory strip 60 is similar to those usedin commercially available smart cards. The memory strip 60 includescontacts 62 that are in electrical communication with the information 80in the memory strip 60 via links or electrical connections such as wires64 as discussed below. A protective coating 70 is applied over thememory strip 60. The protective coating 70 has holes aligned over eachelectrical contact 62. A removable insulating layer 75 is used toprevent premature communication with the memory strip 60 before thepatient begins taking the medication 15. Although the memory strip 60 isshown and described as being secured to a paper backing 51, it should beunderstood that the memory strip 60 could be affixed directly to theinner or outer surface 26 or 27 of the vial 20 or even imbedded in thevial. While the memory device 60 is described and shown as having theshape of a strip, it should be understood that differently shaped memorydevices could be used without departing from the invention.

As shown in FIG. 8, the memory strip 60 contains a variety ofinformation 80. The contents of the information 80 includes prescriptioninformation 82 such as information defining the dosing regimen and thenumber of pills or capsules to be consumed per dosing. The memory strip60 also contains medication information 84 and program codes 86 fordownloading into or otherwise being sensed or read by the computerprocessor 120 of the automated cap 100. The electrical contacts 62 andwires 64 communicate with the memory strip 60 so as to access theinformation 80 in or write additional information to the memory strip.As discussed below, the memory strip 60 can be electronically altered orwritten to via the processor 120 to store information designating whenthe cap 100 is removed and reattached to the vial 20, such as removalinformation 84 indicating that a dose of medication 15 was removed fromthe vial, quantity information 84 regarding the original or remainingnumber of doses in the container, or removal time, disruption orcompliance information 84 indicating actual compliance to the prescribeddosing regimen 82. It should be understood that any combination ofpredetermined information taken from the contents 80 of the memory strip60 could be communicated to the computer processor 120. The computerprocessor 120 could use the predetermined information to select ordevelop desired information for communicating to the patient or caregiver.

As best shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 7, the cap 100 includes a main body 101with a top portion 102 and a cylindrical rim 103 having an insidesurface 104 and a lower edge 105. The cap 100 includes several hold downlugs 106 and a resilient disc much like those in conventional caps ofthe type shown in FIG. 1. The hold down lugs 106 are located around theinside surface 104 of the rim 103 near its lower edge 105. The number ofhold down lugs 106 coincides with the number of ratchets 40, and thelugs are evenly spaced to align with the ratchets. The resilient disc108 is attached to the inside surface of the cap 100.

The ratchets 40 interact with the hold down lugs 106 to form arelatively tight, child resistant or childproof seal between the cap 100and the vial 20. This is accomplished by placing the cap 100 over theopen end 25 of the vial 20 so the lugs 106 are aligned directly betweenthe securement ratchets 40. (See FIG. 10). The cap seals the open end 25of the vial 20 when in this removably aligned position, but the cap isnot secured to the vial. The cap 100 is then depressed and rotatedclockwise so that each lug slides up the wedge 45 of its correspondingratchet located to its left, and into a secure position where each lugrests inside the cup 42 of its corresponding ratchet 40. (See FIG. 11).When in this secured position, the resilient disc 108 biases the lugs toremain inside the cups 42 of their corresponding ratchets 40 due to aspring-like force exerted by the resilient disc 108 against the open end25 of the vial 20. The hold down lugs 106 and ratchets 40 prevent thesimple counterclockwise rotation of the cap, and thus its removal.Instead, the cap 100 must be pushed down to compress the flexiblemembrane 108, releasing the contact between the lugs 106 and theratchets 40, before the cap can be rotated counterclockwise.

The automated cap 100 includes a sensing device or sensing tab 110 forsensing the contacts 62 of the memory strip 60. The sensing tab 110projects down from the edge 105 of the rim 103 of the cap 100. As shownin FIG. 6, the sensing tab 110 has an inside surface 112 with sensors115. The sensors 115 are positioned to align with the contacts 62 of thememory strip 60 when the cap 100 is in the secured position on the openend 25 of the vial 20. The sensors 115 electrically engage the contacts62. Predetermined information 80 in the memory strip 60 iselectronically transmitted to or otherwise communicated or read by thecomputer processor 120 via the contacts 62, links 64, sensors 115 and,as discussed below, a circuit board 130.

The sensing tab 110 extends through the opening 31 in the guide ring 30.The opening 31 is sized so that the cap 100 can only be attached to thevial 20 in the one position which aligns the sensors 115 of the sensingtab 110 into electrical engagement with the contacts 62 of the memorystrip 60. Specifically, the cap 100 can only be placed on the open end25 of the vial 20 with the sensing tab 110 abutting or nearly abuttingthe right end 32 of the guide ring 30. The cap 100 is then rotated in aclockwise direction until the sensing tab 110 abuts or nearly abuts theleft end 34 of the guide ring 30 and the hold down lugs 106 have come torest in the cups 42 of the securement ratchets 40 so that the cap 100 isin its secured position on the vial 20.

As shown in FIG. 9, the automated cap 100 has a control system 114 thatincludes a computer processor 120 with its own memory 125. The processor120 and memory 125 are located on and in electrical communication with acircuit board 130 located inside the cap 100 for protection. (See FIG.4). The circuit board 130 electrically connects the processor 120 to avisual communication device such as an LCD display 132. The LCD display132 visually displays desired information to the patient, such as thedate and time the next dose of medication is to be taken and the numberof pills to be taken. The display 132 can also indicate an access alertor warning to the patient, such as the fact that the patient is sooverdue in taking a dose of medication that that dose should no longerbe taken. The circuit board 130 also electrically connects the processor120 to a variety of alarming devices or warning indicators such asaudible, visual and vibrational communication devices or alarms 134, 136and 138, respectively. These alarms 134, 136 and 138 indicate a varietyof warnings to a patient, such as when it is time to take a dose ofmedication. The circuit board 130 also electrically connects theprocessor 120 to a communication device such as an infrared transmitter140 that transmits information to or receives information from aseparate personal or business computer 270 as discussed below.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 9, the circuit board 130 is in electricalcommunication with a battery 150 that powers the processor 120, thedisplay 132, alarms 134, 136, and 138, transmitter 140 and a timingdevice such as a real time clock 145. An access panel 152 is provided toallow periodic replacement of the battery 150. The access panel 152 isprevented from accidental opening by friction between it and cap 100. Inaddition, when the cap 100 is secured to the vial 20, the battery accesspanel 152 cannot slide out due to interference between the wall 22 ofthe vial 20 and the access panel. Accordingly, the battery 150 shouldnot fall into the medication 15 and accidentally consumed.

The circuit board 130 is in electrical communication with a button 160for electro-mechanically communicating information to the processor 120.(See FIG. 2). By pressing button 160, the patient is able to send anelectrical signal to the processor 120 in response to a question shownon the display 132 or to indicate an action to be taken, such as turnoff an alert or alarm. Button 160 is surrounded by a raised ring 161 toprotect it from inadvertent contact as it is located on the outsidesurface of the cap 100. Additional buttons 162, 164 and 166 (See FIG. 7)are located on the inside surface 104 of the cap 100 to enable thepatient to set the correct date, hour and minute of the real time clock145 that is in electrical communication with the processor 120 via thecircuit board 130. The computer processor 120 uses the prescribed dosingregimen information 82 and the timing device 145 to calculate orotherwise develop the prescribed times for taking the medication 15. Thetiming device 145 informs the computer processor 120 when thepredetermined times to take the medication occur. The computer processorthen informs the patient or individual that it is time to take a dose ofmedication 15 via the display 132 or an alarm 134, 136 or 138. Thebuttons 160, 162, 164 and 166 perform a variety of functions. Asdiscussed below, they can be used as an access indicator to indicatethat the patient is accessing the medication inside the container, as aconsumption indicator to indicate that the patient is consuming themedication, a removal indicator to indicate that the patient is removingmedication form the container, or as an override button to indicate thatthe patient is removing one or more doses of medication prior to ascheduled time to take the dose of medication. While buttons 162, 164and 166 are located on the inside surface 104 of the cap 100, it shouldbe understood that the buttons could be located on the outside surfaceof the cap as well.

As shown in FIGS. 9-11, automated cap 100 further includes an accesscontrol device formed by the computer processor 120 and a device such assolenoid locking mechanism or assembly 180 that is in electricalcommunication with the processor via the circuit board 130. The lockingassembly 180 controls the patient's ability to access and remove themedication 15 from the vial 20 until the time the next dose ofmedication is due according to the prescribed dosing regimen. Theassembly 180 includes an armature 182 and a spring 184 for biasing aplunger 186 into a normal, extended position as shown in solid lines inFIGS. 10 and 11. As explained above, to seal the vial 20, the cap 100 isfirst aligned with open end 25 of the vial so that the hold down lugs106 are positioned above and in between the ratchets 40 of the vial.(See FIG. 10). The cap 100 is then depressed into a removably alignedposition over the open end 25 so that the lugs 106 move directly betweenthe ratchets 40. The plunger 186 contacts the upper surface 44 of theratchet 40 which causes spring 182 to compress. This is shown in FIG. 10in phantom lines. The cap 100 is then rotated clockwise into its securedposition where each hold down lug 106 rests in the cup 42 of itsrespective ratchet 40. When in this secured position, plunger 186 clearsthe side 46 of the ratchet 40 so that spring 184 biases the plunger intoits normal, extended position. Attempts to remove the cap 100 byrotating it counterclockwise are resisted by plunger 186, which abutsthe side 46 of the ratchet 40. The cap 100 is now locked into itssecured position. The processor 120 is programmed to activate thesolenoid locking assembly 180 to draw up the armature 182 and plunger186 when the next medication dosage is due to be taken. Only then canthe cap 100 be rotated counterclockwise and removed.

The access control device can also take the form of and accessindicator. The access indicator is a button such as 160 that is pressedor otherwise triggered prior to opening the container, or a sensor suchas 115 that is disrupted or otherwise triggered by an attempt to removethe cap 100 from the vial 20. The sensor 115 is triggered by pressingdown on the cap 100 and compressing resilient member 108, or byattempting to rotate the cap out of its locked position. Pressing button160 or attempting to open the container 10 triggers the accessindicator, which communicates this attempted access information to theprocessor 120. The computer processor then uses the actual timeinformation of the clock 145 corresponding to the actual time the accessindicator is triggered and compares it with the next scheduledpredetermined time to take a dose of medication. If the actual timeinformation does not correspond to the next scheduled predetermined timeto take a dose of medication 15, the processor 120 causes a warningmessage to be shown on the display 132, or an access alert to beinitiated by one of the alarm devices 134, 136 or 138. This warning oraccess alert informs the patient that the present or actual time is notwithin a scheduled or predetermined time range to take the medication15.

Second Embodiment of Circuitry

The control system 114 shown in FIG. 9 has the processor 120 located inthe cap 100. This arrangement is based on the advantage of being able todispose of the vial 20 when the medication 15 is used up, and theinformation in the memory strip 60 has been transferred to another database, such as the memory of a patient's home computer or a pharmacy,hospital or prescribing physician computer. The more expensive cap 100is retained by the patient for further use. However, ongoingmanufacturing developments continue to reduce the costs of producingmemory devices with their own processors. As a result, the cost ofproducing the memory strip 60 is not significantly different than thecost of producing the memory strip together with its own processor.

FIG. 25 shows an alternate control system 190 where the memory strip 60has its own processor 120. Both the memory strip 60 and processor aresecured to the wall 22 of the vial 20. The memory strip 60 is directlywired to the processor 120 and serves as the memory of the processor.The memory device 125 in the cap 100 is eliminated. This saves the costsassociated with producing two separate memory devices, withoutcompromising the disposability of the vial 20. Hardware components suchas the circuit board 130, display 132, alarms 134, 136 and 138,transmitter 140, battery 150 and solenoid 180 remain in the reusable cap100. The real time clock 145 is replaced by a real time clock module 191that is capable of maintaining time without being connected to theprocessor 120. The components in the cap 100 are electrically connectedto the processor 120 via multiple contacts 192 and 194. Multiple contact192 is wired to the processor 120 and replaces contacts 62. Multiplecontact 194 is wired to the circuit board 130 and secured to the insidesurface 112 of sensing tab 110 and replaces sensor 115. The alignment ofthe multiple contacts 192 and 194 is achieved in the same manner as thealignment of the contacts 62 and sensor 115.

Operation of First Embodiment

When the automated cap 100 is secured to the medication vial 20, thecontrol system 114 is complete. The sensors 115 on the tab 110 of thecap are in electrical contact with the contacts 62 of the memory strip60, and the information 80 in the memory strip is in electricalcommunication with or can otherwise be read by the processor 120 in thecap. Predetermined portions of information 80 from the memory strip 60are compared with the information that had previously been read andstored in the memory 125 of the cap 100. If the predeterminedinformation 80 is the same as before, the processor 120 will compute thenext prescribed time for taking a dosage of medication 15 and activatean alarm or otherwise communicate that information to the patient whenthat time occurs. If the cap 100 is not returned to seal the vial 20 towhich it was previously attached, the computer 120 will activate theaudible alarm 134. The patient or caregiver can disable or deactivatethe alarm 134 by securing the cap 100 back on the correct vial 20. Ifthe cap 100 is not returned to the correct vial 20 and the alarm 134 isignored for a period of time or the user presses button 160, the alarmis disabled, and the new information 80 in the new memory strip 60 isstored in the memory 125 of the cap 100 and used to compute the nextdosage time for the new medication. The automated cap 100 is providedwith a mechanism such as an access or consumption indicator that willkeep an accurate count of the number of times the medication containeris opened each day and advise the patient against consuming too manypills in too short a time. This is particularly useful for medications15 that are prescribed to be used on an as needed basis (e.g. painmedication), but not to be consumed more than a certain amount in anygiven day.

Similar to the access control device, the consumption indicator can takea variety of forms. In one embodiment, the cap 100 is provided with abutton 160 that is pressed to indicate to the processor 120 that aconsumption event has occurred. In another embodiment, the consumptionindicator uses the alignment of the sensors 115 of the cap 100 with thecontacts 62 of the information device 60 of the vial 20 to trigger aconsumption event. When the automated cap 100 is removed, the sensors115 are no longer aligned with the contacts 62 of the information device60. A misalignment of the sensors and contacts, such as that caused bythe removal of the cap 100, results in a disruption of communication ofinformation to the processor 120, so that it can no longer read thememory strip 60. This triggers an event that can be used to store thecurrent date and time in memory 125 of the cap 100. The computerprocessor 120 uses the clock 145 and the triggered disruption todetermine the time of this event. When the cap 100 is resecured to thevial 20, the date and time are then written to memory 125 or to thememory strip 60 indicating that the patient took a dose of medication 15and the actual consumption time. The times and dates stored reflectconsumption compliance information or compliance data in adhering to theprescription regimen. Other embodiments of the consumption indicator arenoted below, such as the sensing of movement of an access door, lid,selector or cartridge by a corresponding removal indicator or sensor. Aninput device such as a keyboard could also be used.

The actual time information obtained from the clock 145 and the type andamount of medication information for this consumption event are thenstored as actual compliance data 84 in the memory device 125 of the cap100 or the memory device 60 of the vial 20. The actual compliance data84 can be conveyed to a separate personal or business computer 270 viaan interface in the computer (not shown) that can sense a controlledflashing of the illuminating alarm 136. By pressing button 160 for aperiod of several seconds the automated cap 100 will transmit thecompliance data 84. The compliance data 84 may also be conveyed via theinfrared transmitter 140 in the automated cap 100 to an infraredreceiver 272 in the computer 270. The compliance data 84 is used by thephysician to determine if the patient is taking too much or not enoughmedication 15, or is not adhering to the regular timing specified by theprescription.

By comparing the quantity of medication 15 in the container 10, asstored as medication information 84 in the memory strip 60, against thenumber of times the automated cap 100 was removed and the number ofpills to be consumed in each dosage, the automated cap 100 can computethe inventory or remaining quantity information corresponding to theamount or number of doses of medication in the container 10, when theprescription should be refilled and alert the patient. The number oftimes the container 10 is opened and the numbers of doses consumed iswritten to the memory 125 of the cap 100 or the memory strip 60 of theinteractive label 50.

As stated above, the information 80 contained in the memory strip 60 canbe transmitted to a separate personal or business computer 270 orpersonal alerting device 290, such as a digital watch or appointmentbook, by equipping automated cap 100 with an infrared transmitter 140.The transmission is started by pressing button 160 for several seconds.The transferred information is used to establish a consumption alerttiming schedule 82 to remind the patient when to take the medication 15.This is accomplished by having the computer 270 activate a variety ofits alarms, or by having the computer page the patient with a message toconsume a specific medication, or by calling the patient using atelephone to convey a verbal message to consume a specific medication.In this manner, the patient can extend the alarm and alerting devicesbeyond what is available in the cap 100, or to have alerts be issuedeven if a conventional cap is used.

If a patient is taking several medications 15 and the information 80contained in the memory strip 60 for each container 10 is transferred toa separate personal or business computer 270, the computer can referenceand compare the lists of contraindicated medications which are part ofthe medication information 84. Should two or more medications 15 becontraindicated for use together, the patient will be alerted to thisfact. Every time a medication 15 is issued to a patient, the most recentlist of contraindications is included in the memory strip 60 of thecontainer 10. If the patient does not have a software program capable ofperforming this function, the program codes 86 will contain a programthat is transferred from the memory strip 60 to the computer 270 toperform this check. This program may use a Java programming language sothat it can be used in a wide variety of computer processors 270. Otherprogram codes 86 can be sent to the automated cap 100 or computer 270 toperform various alerting functions.

Second Embodiment

FIGS. 12-15 show a second embodiment of the invention where thecontainer 200 includes a conventional, childproof cap 260 as shown inFIG. 1, in place of the automated cap 100. The vial and interactivelabel that are interchangeable with the vial 20 and label 50 of thefirst embodiment. The interactive label 50 is electrically linked to theseparate personal or business computer 270 via a sensing element 280.The conventional cap 260 is secured to the vial 20 via securementratchets 40 as in the first embodiment. The guide ring 30 is located apredetermined distance from the top end 25 of the vial 20 so that thering does not interfere with securing the conventional cap 260 to thevial 20.

The information 80 contained in the memory strip 60 is electronicallyconveyed to computer 270 by sensing element 280. Sensing element 280 hassensors 281 located on its inside surface in a pattern and positionsimilar to the contacts 62 of the memory strip 60. The sensing element280 has an arcuate shape to matingly engage the cylindrical wall 22 ofthe vial 20 so that when the sensing element is aligned with and placedover the interactive label 50 its sensors 281 are in electrical contactwith the contacts 62 of the memory strip 60. The sensing element 280includes a connecting cable 282 with an electronic connector 284 adaptedto be plugged into or otherwise electrically communicate with thecomputer 270. Sensing element 280 has an upper tab sized to fit snuglyinto the opening 31 between the ends 32 and 34 of the guide ring 30.This can be accomplished when the conventional cap 260 is in place asshown in FIG. 11. It should also be understood that the sensing element280 can be used to transfer predetermined information 80 to or from thememory strip 60 of either the first or second embodiment of thecontainer 10 or 200 to the computer 270. When the sensing element 280 isused with the first embodiment, the automated cap 100 must be removed.

Third Embodiment

FIGS. 16 and 17 show a third embodiment of the invention where thecontainer 300 includes a modified interactive label 350 and an automatedcap 370 with a modified sensing tab 372. Cap 370 is otherwiseinterchangeable with cap 100. The container 300 includes a vial that isinterchangeable with the vial 20 in the first embodiment. The label 350includes two rows of conductive or non-conductive contacts 352 and 354.These contacts 352 and 354 can also take the form of reflective ornon-reflective surfaces. These contacts or surfaces 352 and 354represent 1 s and 0 s. The contacts or surfaces 352 and 354 combine toform a code representing the prescription regimen.

The inside surface of downwardly projecting sensing tab 372 includessensors 374 that detect the presence or absence of a conductive orreflective surface 352. When the surfaces are conductive, one of theconductive surfaces 352 acts as a ground surface 356 for the remainingsurfaces 352. By detecting a voltage or current between the ground 356and any of the other conductive surfaces 352 a bit of information may beread as a 1 or a 0. By combining the bits of information together, abinary number may be created that can represent a prescriptioninformation 82.

In FIG. 16, there are a total of ten contacts or surfaces 352 and 354.One contact or surface is the ground 356. Another second contact orsurface 358 is used to sense when the cap 370 is removed. Of the eightremaining contacts or surfaces 352 and 354, two are used to indicate thedosage, for example a 0 may represent one pill, a 1 to indicate twopills and a 2 to represent three pills, and a 3 to indicate four pillsare to be taken as each dosage. The remaining six contacts or surfacesare combined to represent a number between 0 and 63. These surfaces 352and 354 are used to represent the timing of the prescription regimen, 0to represent a dosage every 2 hours, a 1 to indicate a dosage every 3hours, a 2 to indicate a dosage every 4 hours and so on. While tensurfaces are shown and described, it should be understood that more orfewer may be used.

The conductive or reflective surfaces 352 may be part of a largerconductive or reflective surface (not shown). A non-conductive ornon-reflective surface (not shown) may be created by punching a hole inor printing over a portion of the larger conductive or reflectivesurface. This process may be done as the label 350 is printed with thereadable text 52.

The automated cap 370 is secured to the vial 20 the same way as in thefirst embodiment. The cap 370 includes the same processor 120, memory125, circuit board 130, display 132, alarms 134-138, transmitter 140,clock 145, battery 150 and buttons 160-166 as automated cap 100. Whenthe cap 370 is removed from the vial 20, the conductive path betweenground surface 356 and second surfaces 358 is broken indicating to thecap 370 that a dosage of the medication is being taken. The braking ofthis conductive path is also used to set the alarms to indicate when thenext dosage should be taken.

Fourth Embodiment

FIGS. 18-24 show a fourth embodiment of the invention where thecontainer 400 is a single dosage, disk shaped, blister pack and aninteractive label 450 with a memory strip 460. The blister pack 400 isplaced in a dispenser 500 having a computer processor 530 that controlsa display and a variety of alarms. Memory strip 460 is functionally andstructurally substantially interchangeable with memory strip 60. Itshould be understood that in this embodiment of the invention, thedispenser 500 forms a part or piece of the container 400.

FIGS. 18 and 19 show a blister pack 400 formed by a tear resistant sheet411 having front and rear surfaces 412 and 413 and a perimeter 414. Thetear resistant sheet 411 is formed into multiple pockets 415 locatedaround its perimeter 414. Each pocket 415 holds a single dose ofmedication 15. The tear resistant sheet 411 has a substantially flatcentral area 416 with a central opening 417 and offset notch 418 formedthrough the sheet 411. The rear surface 413 of the tear resistant sheet411 has an adhesive coating 419 applied to it, except in pockets 415.The blister pack also includes a backing sheet 420 having front and rearsurfaces 422 and 424. The front surface 422 is secured to the rearsurface 413 of the tear resistant sheet 411 via the adhesive coating419. The backing sheet 420 extends over the pockets 415 so that eachdose of medication 15 is sealed into its respective pocket. The tearresistant sheet 411 has perforations 430 that separate each pocket 415into a discrete portion 432 that is separable from the remainder of thecontainer.

An interactive label 450 is attached to the flat, central area 416 ofthe front surface 412 of the tear resistant sheet 411 via an adhesivelayer 451. The label 450 has a textual portion 452 with prescriptioninformation printed on its front surface. The label 450 includes amemory strip 460 similar to that used in the first and secondembodiments. The information in the memory strip 460 is the same as theinformation 80 in the first and second embodiments. The electronicmemory strip 460 is sensed through its contacts 462 via an electricalconnection or wire 464. The opening 417 and notch 418 in blister pack400 are used to mount the single dosage container 400 into apredetermined position in the dispensing device 500. The opening 417 andnotch 418 ensure that the blister pack 400 is placed in a secureposition in said dispenser 500, and that the sensing contacts 462 arealigned with sensors for electrically communicating with the memorystrip 460.

FIGS. 20-23 show the semi-automated, clam shell medication dispenser 500for housing and dispensing medication 15 from the blister pack container400. The dispenser 500 has a lid 510 with a dispensing lever 514 and aplunger 515 that combine to form a dispensing mechanism for dislodging adose of medication 15 from its pocket 415 in the blister pack 400.Finger latches 520 are arranged on both sides of the dispensing lever514 and plunger 515. The latches 520 are integrally connected to lockingstruts 522, which engage the dispensing lever 514. (See FIG. 20). Todispense a dose of medication 15, the patient pushes each finger latch520 out and away from the body of the lid 510 so that struts 522 releasethe dispensing lever 514. When released, dispensing lever 514 is biasedby a spring (not shown) to a raised position above the struts 522 asseen in FIG. 23. When the finger latches 520 are released, the latchesand struts 522 are biased by a second spring (not shown) into theiroriginal position. The struts 522 are now located beneath the dispensinglever 514. This structure is intended to provide a relativelychild-proof or resistant method for releasing dispenser lever 514.

The dispenser 500 is now ready to dispense medication 15. The lever 514is pulled up, which causes dispensing plunger 515 to rotate down andpress against the top of the blister pack pocket 415 positioned belowthe plunger. As the plunger continues to rotate down, the medication 15is forced through backing sheet 420 of the single dose container 400 andthrough a dispenser opening 565 for the patient to consume. Thepredetermined information 80 in the memory strip 460 is downloaded to orsensed by the processor 530 of the dispenser 500 via a sensing mechanism(not shown) attached to the lid 510. The sensing mechanism has sensorssimilar to those in sensing tab 110. These sensors engage the contacts462 of the memory strip 460. The computer processor 530 has circuitrysimilar to that shown in FIG. 9 and includes a memory and a real timeclock that are electrically connected via a circuit board. Information80 in the memory strip 460 is electronically transmitted to or otherwisecommunicated or read by the computer processor 530 via the contacts 462,links 464, sensors and the circuit board. The lid 510 also includes a“Next Dose” button 525 for advancing the single dosage container 400 tothe next dosage position, and an “Eject” button 528 for ejecting thecontainer 400. Communication devices such as audible alerting device 542and display 544 are used to present messages and visual alerts. Thesebuttons 525 and 528 and communication devices 542 and 544 are inelectrical communication with the computer processor 530 via the circuitboard.

The dispenser 500 has a base 560 that is hingebly attached to the lid510 by hinge 562. The base 560 includes a battery 550 for powering theelectrical components in the dispenser, and a battery access door 552 topermit periodic replacement of the battery. The base 560 has a dispenseropening 565 through which the backing sheet 420 of one of the discreteportions 432 of the blister pack 400 can be seen, and through whichindividual doses of medication 15 are dispensed. To assist in breakingor tearing the backing sheet 420, a portion of the dispenser opening 565has a sharp interior edge that cuts into the surface of the backingsheet 420 as the sheet is pressed against the edge. The base 560 of thedispenser 500 also includes a flange 564 that secures the lid 510 to thebase 560 when in the closed position. Alignment ribs 566 projectupwardly from the inside surface of the base 560 to keep single dosagecontainer 400 adequately raised so a drive spindle 570 passes throughthe central opening 417 in the tear resistant sheet 411 when thedispenser 500 is closed. The alignment ribs 566 and the shape of thespindle 570, which matingly engages the central opening 417 and offsetnotch 418 of the blister pack 400, combine to form a mechanism forselectively aligning one of the pockets 415 with the plunger 515 of thedispenser. FIG. 24 shows an alternate embodiment of the blister packcontainer 400. In this embodiment, the interactive label 450 is affixedto the surface of the backing sheet 420. A window 568 made of clearplastic is provided in the base 560 of the dispenser 500. The window 568allows the patient to read the contents of the prescription text 452when the dispenser is closed.

The dispenser 500 is equipped with a drive spindle 570 and a motor 572for automatically dispensing the medication 15. The motor 572 isrelatively flat in design similar to those used in portable CD players.The computer processor 530, motor 572 and spindle 570 combine to form anaccess control device or advancing mechanism for rotating the singledosage container 400 when a dose is to be dispensed. The computerprocessor 530 controls the activation of the motor 572 and spindle 570to prevent the patient or care giver from removing medication 15 fromthe blister pack 400 until the time the next dose of medication is due.The motor 572 also controls a locking solenoid 580 that preventsinappropriate access to the medication container 400 by the patient orcare giver. The solenoid 580 controls a rod aligned to selectivelyengage or enter an opening in flange 564. When the solenoid 580 isactivated to force the rod into the latch opening, the dispenser 500 islocked shut. When the solenoid 580 is activated to pull the rod out ofthe latch opening the dispenser 500 can be opened. The access controldevice can also take the form of an access indicator as noted above.

Operation of Fourth Embodiment and Dispenser

To use the personal semi-automated medication dispenser 500, the patientcan press the “Eject” button 528 and insert a full blister packcontainer 400. Processor 530 causes the single dosage container 400 torotate via motor 572 such that the contacts 462 of the memory strip 460are below the sensors of the dispenser 500 (not shown) which are inelectrical communication with the computer processor 530 via the circuitboard. When properly positioned the processor 530 may write to thememory strip 460 to update it with the number of doses that have beendispensed, so the quantity of medication 15 stored in memory strip 460is accurate. When all the medication 15 is dispensed, the computerprocessor 530 is programmed to accept input from the “Eject” button 528.The computer processor 530 then causes locking solenoid 580 to retractand allow hinged lid 510 to open under spring force. The existing singledosage container 400 is removed and a new one placed so that centeropening 417 is pressed over drive spindle 570. The hinged top 510 isclosed, causing the locking solenoid 580 to engage the opening in flange564 and locking the dispenser closed.

The information 80 in the memory strip 460 is transferred to processor530 so that the prescription regimen is shown on the display 544. Whenit is time to take a medication 15, the processor causes audible alarm542 to sound an alert. The patient then presses the “Next Dose” button525. Processor 530 causes motor 572 to rotate the spindle 570 and singledosage container 400 to the next available filled pocket 415. Thepatient then releases the dispensing lever 514, as previously described,and lifts the lever up to dispense a dose of medication 15. When this isdone a micro switch or sensor (not shown) detects the dispensing of adose of medication 15 and reduces the quantity of medication understoodby the processor 530 to be held in container 400 by one. The dispensinglever 514 is then secured into its lowered position. It should be notedthat the dispensing lever 514 could be adapted to engage the blisterpack 400 near perforations 430 to separate an entire discrete portion432 from the remainder of the blister pack while leaving the medication15 inside its discrete portion. The discrete portion 432 of the blisterpack 400 would then be discharged through opening 565 in the dispenser500 so that the patient could remove the medication from the discreteportion themselves.

As previously described portions of the information 80 in the memorystrip 460 can be transferred to the separate computer 270 or personalalerting device 290. Program codes 86 can be transferred so computer 270is equipped with software to provide alert scheduling or to check forcontra-indicated medications. Program codes 86 can be transferred toprocessor 530 of dispenser 500 to assist in scheduling alerts.Additional buttons (not shown) are used to enter the date and time. Thedispenser can also be provided with other alarms (not shown) such as avisual or vibrational alarm, an infrared transmitter (not shown) forcommunicating with a separate computer, and connectors (not shown) forelectrically attaching the dispenser to the separate computer 270.

Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 26 shows a fifth embodiment of the medication container 800 forholding and organizing several different types of medication. Thecontainer 800 includes several vials that are the same as or similar tothe vials 20 for containers 10, 200 and 300. Each particular vial 20 isphysically separable from the other vials, but is removably secured to aunitary lid 810 as discussed below. Each particular vial 20 is equippedwith its own corresponding interactive label 50 and machine readable andwritable memory strip 60. However, it should be understood that in thisembodiment of the invention, the label 50 need not be interactive. Themachine readable and writable memory strip 60 can be replaced by amemory device that is only machine readable. For example, memory strip60 and its contacts 62 and wires 64 can be replaced by the severalconductive/non-conductive or reflective/non-reflective surfaces andground surface 352-358 of container 300, or by a conventional bar code(not shown) applied to the surface of the label 50.

The unitary lid 810 includes a housing 811 with front 812, rear 813, top814, bottom 815, and end surfaces 816 and 817. As shown in FIG. 27, anumber of ports or portholes 820 are formed along the length of thebottom surface 815. The portholes 820 are spaced equidistantly apartfrom one end 816 of the housing to the other 817. Each porthole 820 hasan inside surface 821 that is shaped and sized to snugly receive the topend 25 and ratchets 40 of one of the vials 20. Similar to the cap 100,the inside surface 821 of each porthole 820 includes several hold downlugs 822 or threads for removably securing the vial 20 to the unitarylid 810. Each particular port 820 has a corresponding sensing tab 825that includes sensors 115 like those in cap 100. The sensing tabs 825projects downwardly from the bottom surface 815 of the lid 810 and havean inside surface that is substantially flush with the inside surface821 of the porthole 820.

Each vial 20 has a guide ring (not shown) similar to guide ring 30 thatreceives the sensing tab 825. The label 50 is affixed in the recess 28of the vial 20. The recess 28, guide ring 30 and sensing tab 825 combineto align the textual portion 52 facing toward the front 812 of theunitary lid 810 when the vial is secured. This ensures that each textualportion 52 is visible when several vials 20 are secured to the unitarylid 810. The guide rings 30 also ensure that sensors 115 or 826 alignwith and detect contacts 62 in control system 840 (FIG. 28), or thatcontacts 192 align with contacts 194 in control system 190 (FIG. 25).

The housing 811 of the unitary lid 810 has a number of openings 830 inits top surface 814. Each of these openings 830 is aligned directlyabove and forms a channel that extends through to a correspondingportholes 820. When the vial 20 is secured to the unitary lid 810,medication 15 can be removed from the vial 20 through the porthole 820and opening 830. An access door 835 is provided to seal each opening830. The door 835 has a hinge 836 that is secured to top surface 814 ofthe housing 811, and a latch 837. The door 835 pivots between open andclosed positions 838 and 839. Medication 15 is sealed in the containerwhen the vial 20 is secured to the lid 810 and the access door 835 is inits closed position 839. The latch 837 locks the door into its closedposition 839. Medication 15 is removed from one of the vials 20 byreleasing the appropriate latch 837, moving the corresponding door 835to its open position 838, inverting the container 800 and pouring themedication out of the associated opening 830.

As shown in FIG. 28, the unitary lid 810 includes a control system 840that is similar to the control system 114 of containers 10, 300 and 400shown in FIG. 9. The control system 840 is broken into two subsets ofcomponents 841 and 842. The components forming these two subsets 841 and842 are the same types of components as in control system 114. The firstsubset 841 has a one-to-one correlation between components in system114, and includes computer processor 120, memory 125, audible andvibratory alarms 134 and 138, real time clock 145, battery 150, andbuttons 160, 162, 164 and 166. Subset 841 also includes a radiofrequency (RF) receiver 843 for receiving information regardingnecessary changes in the prescribed dosing regimen 82. Receiver 843 canbe a transceiver for transmitting information, such as consumptioninformation 84, back to the pharmacy or prescribing physician. Thesecond subset 842 is broken up into multiple sets of components 844.Each set of components 844 is associated with one particular porthole.Each set of components 844 includes the sensors 115, LCD display 132 andindicator light 136 associated with that particular porthole 820. Eachset 844 also includes first and second access control devices 845 and846, and a sensor 847 for the access door 835 associated with theparticular porthole 820 as discussed below. The display 132 andindicator 134 of a particular set 844 are located directly in front ofthe access door 835 corresponding to the particular porthole 820 andvial 20 for that set. The circuit board 130 is somewhat larger than theboard in cap 100 due to the increase in number of components and thespacing apart of the various sets 844 of components along the length ofthe lid 810.

FIG. 27 shows the vial 20 equipped with machine readable and writablememory strip 60 and contacts 62. The sensors 115 are located on theinside surface of each sensing tab 825. When the vial 20 is secured toits particular porthole 820, the contacts 62 are in electricalcommunication with the sensors 115 for that porthole. As stated above,the memory strip 60 can be replaced by a memory device that is onlymachine readable. For example, the vial can be equipped withconductive/non-conductive or reflective/non-reflective surfaces 352-358as in FIG. 16. Sensing tab 825 and sensors 115 are similar inconstruction to the sensing tab 372 and sensors 374 of container 300.When the vial 20 is equipped with the conventional bar code in lieu ofmemory strip 60, the sensors 115 are optical sensors that read the barcoded information when the vial 20 is slid into one of the portholes 820or rotated into a secure position in that porthole.

As shown in FIG. 28, the control system 840 is equipped with two accesscontrol devices 845 and 846. These devices 845 and 846 are similar indesign to solenoid locking mechanism or assembly 180. The first accesscontrol device or vial locking solenoid assembly 845 serves the samepurpose as assembly 180. Both assemblies 180 and 845 lock the vial 20 tothe cap 100 of unitary lid 810 until a predetermined time, such as whenthe vial is empty. The second access control device or door lockingsolenoid assembly 846 locks the access door 835 in its closed position839 to prevent the removal of medication 15 until the prescribed time totake the particular medication contained in the corresponding vial 20.This second access control device 846 includes a solenoid and plungerassembly similar to assembly 180. The plunger engages the latch 837 ofthe access door 835 to lock the door in its closed position 839. Itshould be understood that the medication 15 could also be accessed byremoving the desired particular vial 20 from the unitary lid 810.

When one particular vials 20 is secured to its associated porthole 820,the information 80 contained in the information strip 60 of thatparticular vial is received by the sensors 115 associated with thatporthole and communicated to the computer processor 120 in the unitarylid 810. This communication of information 80 occurs each time one ofthe vials 20 is secured to one of the portholes 820 of the unitary lid810. The processor 120 notes which medication information 80 came fromwhich sensor 115 and corresponding porthole 820 or set 844. Theprocessor 120 uses its clock 145 and the prescribed dosing regimeninformation 82 obtained from one sensor 115 and corresponding porthole820 to compute an appropriate time or times to take the particularmedication 15 held by the vial 20 secured to that porthole. Theprocessor 120 then determines the appropriate time or times to take theparticular type of medication 15 contained in each of the vials 20 heldby its associated porthole 820.

When the processor 120 determines that the time to take one dose ofprescribed medication in one particular vial is approaching or hasarrived, the processor sends a signal to the display 132 and indicatorlight 136 for the set 844 associated with the porthole 820 holding thatparticular type of medication 15. The processor 120 also sends anelectric current to the door lock solenoid 846 for that set 844 torelease the plunger from engagement with the latch 837 so that theaccess door 835 is movable to its open position 838. As noted above, thedoor 835 and a corresponding sensor 847 form a consumption indicator.When the door 835 is moved toward its open position 838, the door sensor847 sends a signal to the processor 120. The processor 120 uses thissignal to indicate that the prescribed dose of medication 15 was takenfrom the corresponding vial 20 at the time the door 835 was opened. Thisconsumption information is stored in the memory 125 of the unitary lid810. The processor 120 could also send electric current to the vial lock845 to allow access to the medication 15, and use this occurrence as thesignal that medication 15 was consumed. When the memory device 60 on thevial 20 is machine readable and writable, the processor 120 alters thememory device to include this consumption information.

Sixth Embodiment

FIG. 29 shows a sixth embodiment of the medication container 850 forholding and organizing several different types of medication. Thiscontainer 850 is similar to the container 800. Each particular vial 20is physically separable from the other vials, but is removably securedto a unitary lid or console 860 as discussed below. Each particular vial20 is equipped with its own corresponding interactive label 50 andmachine readable and writable memory strip 60. As in the fifthembodiment, it should be understood that the label 50 of container 850need not be interactive. One of ordinary skill in the art shouldunderstand that the terms console and unitary lid are interchangeable.Finally, one or ordinary skill in the art should understand that themachine readable and writable memory strip 60 can be replaced by amemory device that is only machine readable. For example, memory strip60 and its contacts 62 and wires 64 can be replaced by the severalconductive/non-conductive or reflective/non-reflective surfaces andground surface 352-358 as in container 300, or by a conventional barcode (not shown) applied to the surface of the label 50.

The unitary lid 860 includes an L-shaped housing 861 with a front 862,rear 863, top 864, bottom 865, and end surfaces 866 and 867. As bestshown in FIG. 30, the housing 861 has an intermediate wall 868 thatextends from the top 864 of the housing down to a platform 869 forholding the vials 20. The portholes 870 are similar in construction tothe portholes 820 of container 800, and are spaced equidistantly apartfrom one end 866 of the housing to the other end 867. Each porthole 870has an inside surface 871 shaped and sized to snugly receive the top end25 and ratchets 40 of one vial 20. Similar to container 800, the insidesurface of each porthole 870 includes several hold down lugs 872 orthreads for removably securing the vial 20 to the unitary lid 860. Eachparticular porthole 870 has a corresponding sensing tab 875 with sensors115 like those of cap 100. The sensing tabs 875 project upwardly fromthe top surface 814 of the lid 860, and have an inside surface that issubstantially flush with the inside surface 871 of the porthole 870.

Each vial 20 has a guide ring (not shown) similar to guide ring 30 thatreceives the sensing tab 875. The label 50 is affixed in the recess 28of the vial 20. The recess 28, guide ring 30 and sensing tab 875 combineto align the textual portion 52 facing toward the front 862 of theunitary lid 860 when the vial 20 is secured. This ensures that eachtextual portion 52 is visible when several vials 20 are secured to theunitary lid 860. The guide rings 30 also ensure that sensors 115 or 876align with contacts 62 in control system 890 (FIG. 28), or that contacts192 align with contacts 194 in control system 190 (FIG. 25).

The housing 861 has a number of openings 880 along the length of itsfront surface 812. Each opening 880 is aligned directly in front of andforms a corresponding channel that extends through to a correspondingporthole 870. When the vial 20 is secured to one of the portholes 870,medication 15 is removed via a medication selector 885. The selector 885has a shaft 886 that is sized to fit snugly in the opening 880 and itscorresponding channel. The shaft 886 has a medication singulatingcompartment 887 sized to hold a standard dose of medication 15. Theselector 885 slides in the channel of the opening 880 to and from openand closed positions 888 and 889. In the closed position 889, thesingulating compartment 887 is located inside its corresponding porthole870 so that one of the doses of medication 15 falls into thecompartment. The selector 885 is then pulled partially out of theopening 880 so that the compartment 887 extends beyond the front 862 ofthe lid so that the medication 15 in the compartment can be removed.Medication 15 is sealed in the container 850 when the vials 20 aresecured to the unitary lid 860 and the selector 885 is in its closedposition 889.

The unitary lid 860 includes a control system 890 that is similar tocontrol system 840 shown in FIG. 28. The components making up thecontrol systems 840 and 890 are similar. System 890 is broken into twosubsets of components 891 and 892. The first subset 891 includes onecomputer processor 120, memory 125, display 132, audible and vibratoryalarms 134 and 138, real time clock 145, battery 150, and buttons 160,162, 164 and 166. The subset 891 also includes a RF receiver 893 forreceiving information regarding necessary changes in the prescribeddosing regimen 82. Receiver 893 can be a transceiver for transmittinginformation, such as consumption information 84, back to the pharmacy orprescribing physician. The second subset 892 includes multiple sets ofcomponents 894. Each set of components 894 is associated with oneparticular porthole. Each set 894 includes the sensors 115 associatedwith that particular porthole 870. Each set 894 also includes first andsecond access control devices 895 and 896, and a sensor 897 for theaccess door 885 associated with the particular porthole 870 as discussedbelow. The single LCD display 132 spans the length of the front 862 ofthe unitary lid 860. The display visually identifies the appropriateselector 885 to pull to obtain the appropriate, prescribed medication15. The computer processor 120 instructs the display 132 to show anarrow pointing at the appropriate selector 885. Again, the circuit board(not shown) is somewhat larger than circuit board 130 due to theincrease in number of components and the spacing apart of the varioussets 892 of components along the length of the lid 860.

FIG. 29 shows the vial 20 equipped with machine readable and writablememory strip 60 and contacts 62. The sensors 115 are located on theinside surface of each sensing tab 875. When one of the vials 20 issecured to a particular porthole 870, the contacts 62 of the memorystrip 60 are in electrical communication with the sensors 115 for thatporthole, thus allowing each sensor 115 to detect the presence of itsrespective contacts 62 and communicate information from the memory strip60 to the processor 120. As stated above, the memory strip 60 can bereplaced by a memory device that is only machine readable. For example,the vial 20 is equipped with conductive/non-conductive orreflective/non-reflective surfaces 352-358 as in FIG. 16. Sensing tab875 and sensors 115 are similar in construction to the sensing tab 372and sensors 374 of container 300. When the vial 20 is equipped with theconventional bar code in lieu of memory strip 60, the sensors 115 areoptical sensors that read the bar coded information when the vial 20 isslid into one of the portholes 870 or rotated into a secure position inthat porthole.

As shown in FIG. 28, the unitary lid 860 is equipped with two accesscontrol devices that are similar in design to solenoid locking assembly180. The first access control device or vial locking solenoid assembly895 serves the same purpose as assembly 180. Both assemblies 180 and 895lock the vial 20 to the unitary lid 860 until a predetermined time, suchas when the vial is empty. The second access control device or selectorlocking solenoid assembly 896 locks the selector 885 in its closedposition 889 until the prescribed time to take the particular medicationin the corresponding vial 20. This second access control device 896includes a solenoid and plunger assembly 898 similar to assembly 180.The plunger engages the shaft 886 of the selector 885 and locks it inits closed position 889. It should be understood that the medication 15could also be accessed by removing the desired particular vial 20 fromthe unitary lid 860.

When one particular vial 20 is secured to its associated porthole 870,the information 80 contained in the information strip 60 of thatparticular vial is received by the sensors 115 associated with thatporthole and communicated to the computer processor 120 in the unitarylid 860. This communication of information 80 occurs each time one ofthe vials 20 is secured to one of the portholes 870 of the unitary lid860. The processor 120 notes which medication information 80 came fromwhich sensor 115 and corresponding porthole 870. This particularporthole identification information is obtained by the processor 120 viathe hardwiring of the system (each porthole sensor 115 having a separatelead to the processor) or by assigning an identification tag to eachporthole or one of its corresponding components such as its sensor. Theprocessor 120 uses the its clock 145 and the prescribed dosing regimeninformation 82 obtained from the vial 20 in one particular porthole 870to compute an appropriate time or times to take the particularmedication 15 held by the vial 20 secured to that porthole. Theprocessor 120 then determines the appropriate time or times to take theparticular type of medication 15 contained in each of the vials 20 heldby their associated portholes 870.

When the processor 120 determines that the time to take one doses ofprescribed medication in one particular vial is approaching or hasarrived, the processor sends a signal to the display 132 to show anarrow pointing to the associate porthole 870 holding that particulartype of medication 15. The processor also sends an electric current tothe selector lock solenoid 896 of the appropriate set 894 to release theplunger from engagement with the selector shaft 886 so that the selector885 for that particular vial 20 is movable to its open position 888. Asnoted above, the consumption indicator is formed by the selector 885 andits corresponding sensor 897. When the selector 885 is moved toward itsopen position 888, the selector sensor 897 sends a signal to theprocessor 120. The processor 120 uses this signal to indicate that theprescribed dose of medication 15 was taken from the corresponding vial20 at the time the selector 885 was moved to its open position 888. Thisremoval or consumption information includes removed quantity orconsumption quantity information (e.g., one dose of medication), andthis information is stored in the memory 125 of the unitary lid 860. Theprocessor 120 could also send electric current to the vial lock 895 toallow access to the medication 15, and use this occurrence as the signalthat medication 15 was consumed. When the memory device 60 on the vial20 is machine readable and writable, the processor 120 can alter thememory device to include this consumption information.

Seventh Embodiment

FIG. 31 shows a seventh embodiment of the medication container 900 forholding and organizing several different types of medication. Thiscontainer 900 has an automated, unitary lid or console 910 that issimilar to the unitary lid 860 of container 850. The vials 20 arereplaced by blister cassettes 950. Each particular cassette 950 isphysically distinct and separable from the other cassettes, but isremovably secured to a unitary lid 910 as discussed below. Eachparticular cassette 950 is equipped with its own corresponding machinereadable memory device or bar code 960. However, it should be understoodthat the cassette 950 could contain an interactive label 50. A machinereadable and writable memory strip 60 can be substituted for the memorydevice 960. In addition, several conductive/non-conductive orreflective/non-reflective surfaces and ground surface 352-358 may besubstituted as in container 300.

The unitary lid 910 includes an L-shaped housing 911 with a front 912,rear 913, top 914, bottom 915, and end surfaces 916 and 917. As bestshown in FIG. 32, the housing 911 has an intermediate wall 918 thatextends from the top 914 of the housing down to a platform 919 forholding the blister cassettes 950. The platform 919 has a number ofports or slots 920 formed along the length of its surface. The slots 920are spaced equidistantly apart from one end 916 of the housing to theother 917. Each slot 920 is formed by a forward wall 921, two lateralwalls 922 and a rear wall 923 that are shaped and sized to snuglyreceive the sides of the cassette 950. The forward wall 921 is flushwith the surface of the intermediate wall 918. The housing 911 also hasa number of openings 930 formed along the length of its front surface912. Each opening 930 is aligned directly in front of one of the slots920. The opening 930 forms a channel extending from the front surface912, through the lid 910 to the surface of the intermediate wall 918,and into a corresponding slot 920. An optical sensor 940 is secured inthe intermediate wall 918 above the opening 930.

As best shown in FIG. 33, the blister cassette 950 is formed by a rigidhousing 951. The front of the housing 951 is formed by a flat wall 952with an opening 954 towards its bottom edge. The bottom is formed by aU-shaped channel 955 with lateral rims 956. The top and rear portions ofthe housing 951 are formed by a circular loop 957. The housing iscompleted by a pair of flat side walls 958. A machine readable memorydevice such as bar code 960 is affixed to the front wall 952 aboveopening 954. The bar code 960 contains a variety of information 80 aboutthe medication 15 in the blister cassette 950. A textual label 967 isaffixed to the top or loop portion 957 of the housing 951 so that eachlabel is visible when several cassettes 950 are secured to the unitarylid 910.

The housing 951 holds a conventional blister strip 970 formed by aseries of connected blister packets 975 that are separable along aperforation or score line between each adjacent packet. Each blisterpacket 975 holds a dose of medication 15. The strip 970 is coiled upinside the housing 951 with the outer coil laying against the U-shapedchannel 955 between rims 956. A free end 976 of the outer coil passesthrough the opening 954 in the front wall 952 of the cassette 950.

As shown in FIG. 31, when the blister cassette 950 is secured to theunitary lid 910, the free end 976 of the blister strip 970 extendsthrough opening 930. This places the end packet 975 in a reserveposition 978. Medication 15 is obtained by pulling the end packet 975completely through the opening 930, and tearing off the end packet 975along the perforated line connecting it to its adjacent packet. Theadjacent packet is now in the reserve position 978 with its free end 976partially extending through opening 930, and is accessible when the nextdose of medication is due to be taken.

The unitary lid 910 includes a control system 990 that is similar tocontrol system 890 shown in FIG. 28. The components making up controlsystems 890 and 990 are similar. System 990 is broken into two subsetsof components 991 and 992. The first subset 991 includes one computerprocessor 120, memory 125, display 132, audible and vibratory alarms 134and 138, real time clock 145, battery 150, and buttons 160, 162, 164 and166. The first subset 991 also includes a RF receiver 993 for receivinginformation regarding necessary changes in the prescribed dosing regimen82. Receiver 993 can be a transceiver for transmitting information, suchas consumption information 84, back to the pharmacy or prescribingphysician. The second subset 992 includes multiple sets 994. Each set ofcomponents 994 is associated with one particular slot 920. Each set ofcomponents 994 includes the sensors 115 associated with that particularslot 920. Each set 994 also includes first and second access controldevices 995 and 996, and a sensor 997 for the opening 930 associatedwith the particular slot 920 as discussed below. The single LCD display132 spans the length of the front 912 of the unitary lid 910. Thedisplay visually identifies the appropriate blister packet 975 to pullto obtain the appropriate, prescribed medication 15. The computerprocessor 120 instructs the display to point an arrow at the appropriatepacket 975. Again, the circuit board (not shown) is somewhat larger thancircuit board 130 due to the increase in number of components and thespacing apart of the various sets 992 of components along the length ofthe lid 910.

Optical sensors 940 are located on the surface of the intermediate wall918. When one of the blister cassettes 950 is slid into place in aparticular slot 920, the optical sensor 940 corresponding to that slotreads the information 80 contained in the memory device or bar code 960.When the cassette 950 is equipped with machine readable and writablememory strip 60 in lieu of bar code 960, the optical sensors 940 arereplaced with sensors 115. When the cassette 950 is equipped withconductive/non-conductive or reflective/non-reflective surfaces 352-358,the sensors 115 are similar in construction to sensors 374 of container300.

As shown in FIG. 28, the control system 990 is equipped with two accesscontrol devices that are similar in design to solenoid locking assembly180. The first access control device or cassette locking assembly 995prevents the removal of the cassette 950 from the unitary lid 910 untila predetermined time, such as when the cassette is empty. The secondaccess control device or solenoid locking assembly 996 prevents theextension of free end 976 of the blister strip 975 through opening 930until the prescribed time to take the particular medication in thecorresponding cassette 950. This second access control device 996includes a solenoid and plunger assembly. The plunger engages theblister strip 975 and locks it in place so that it cannot be pulled outof the opening 930. It should be understood that the medication 15 couldalso be accessed by removing the desired particular vial 20 from theunitary lid 910.

When one particular cassette 950 is secured to its associated slot 920,the information 80 contained in the information strip 60 of thatparticular cassette is received by the sensors 115 associated with thatslot and communicated to the computer processor 120 in the unitary lid910. This communication of information 80 occurs each time one of thecassettes 950 is secured to one of the slots 920 of the unitary lid 910.The processor 120 notes which medication information 80 came from whichassociated sensor 115 for the particular slot 920. The processor 120uses its clock 145 and the prescribed dosing regimen information 82obtained from the particular cassette 950 secured to its associate slot920 to compute an appropriate time or times to take the particularmedication 15 held by that cassette. The processor 120 then determinesthe appropriate time or times to take the particular type of medication15 contained in each of the cassette 950 held by the slots 920.

When the processor 120 determines that it is time to take one dos ofprescribed medication in one particular cassette 950, the processorsends a signal to the display 132 to show an arrow pointing to theassociate slot 920 and cassette 950 holding that particular type ofmedication 15. The processor also sends an electric current to theblister strip locking solenoid 996 of the appropriate set 994 associatedwith slot 920 to withdraw the plunger from in front of the leadingblister packet 975 so that this packet can be removed from itsassociated opening 930. As noted above, the consumption indicator isformed by a selector sensor 997 that detects the movement of the blisterstrip 970 or the removal of the blister packet 975 through the dischargeopening 930 of the cassette 950. When the blister packet 975 is removedand another blister packet is advanced to the reserve position 978, theselector sensor 997 sends a signal to the processor 120. The processor120 uses this signal to indicate that the prescribed dose of medication15 was taken from the corresponding cassette 950 at the time the blisterpacket 975 was removed. This consumption information is stored in thememory 125 of the unitary lid 910. The processor 120 could also sendelectric current to the vial lock 995 to allow access to the medication15, and use this occurrence as the signal that medication 15 wasconsumed. When the memory device 60 on the cassette 950 is machinereadable and writable, the processor 120 can alter the memory device toinclude this consumption information.

Operation of Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Embodiments

The following is provided to assist the reader in understanding theoperation of the preceding embodiments of the invention. When aphysician prescribes one or more medications to a particular patient,the prescription is forwarded to a pharmacy. The pharmacist or his orher staff uses the prescription to fill one or more vials 20 orcassettes 950 with the prescribed medications 15. For each vial 20 orcassette 950, the pharmacy creates prescription information 80corresponding to the type of medication 15 placed in that vial orcassette. This information 80 is written or otherwise applied to thememory device 60, 352-358 or 960 that is secured or otherwise applied tothe appropriate vial 20 or cassette 950. This information 80 includesdosage and time frequency information for the particular medication 15in that vial 20 or cassette 950. The pharmacy staff, a healthcare workeror patient then secures the separate and distinct vials 20 or cassettes950 to the unitary lid 810, 860 or 910 assigned to or owned by thatparticular patient.

The medication containers 800, 850 and 900 hold and organize severalvials 20 or cassettes 950. Each unitary lid 810, 860 or 910 has severalports 820, 870 or 920 for receiving the vials 20 or cassettes 950. Eachport 820, 870 or 920 has one corresponding pair of sensors 115 or 374for reading the information 80 contained in the memory device 60,352-358 or 960 of the vial 20 or cassette 950. Each port 820, 870 or 920also has one corresponding opening 830, 880 or 930 through which themedication 15 in corresponding vial 20 or cassette 950 is dispensed.Each container 800, 850 or 900 includes a control system 840, 890 or990, respectively, that includes a processor 120 for controlling theoperations of the container.

The processor 120 organizes the activation of the display(s) 132 andalarm(s) 134, 136 and 138 for instructing and alerting the patient whenit is time to consume one of the prescribed medications 15 held by thecontainer. When the vials 20 or cassettes 950 are secured to the unitarylid 810, 860 or 910, the processor 120 reads the prescriptioninformation 80 from the memory device 60, 352-358 or 960, and calculatesthe appropriate time to take each of the medications 15 contained in theseveral vials 20 or cassettes 950.

The computer processor 120 uses the prescribed dosing regimeninformation 82 and the timing device 145 to calculate or otherwisedevelop the prescribed times for taking each of the differentmedications 15 held in the container 800, 850 or 900. The processor 120uses its timing device 145 to determine when the predetermined time ortimes to take one of the particular types of medication occur. Thecomputer processor then informs the patient that it is time to take adose of medication 15 via the display 132, indicator 136, or othervarious alarms 134 and 138. Information 80 is also communicated to theprocessor 120 and memory 60, 125 via electrical contacts or via an RF ormagnetically coupled link.

When the processor 120 determines that at least one medication 15 isdue, the processor issues an audible consumption alert using speaker134. This alert can be in the form of a voice synthesized message thatindicates the correct vial 20 or cassette 950 to access and amount ofmedication to consume. The processor 120 also instructs the LCD display132 to show a message or the indicator light 136 to flash directly infront of the appropriate vial 20 or cassette 950 containing theprescribed medication 15 to be taken at this time, and the amount ofthat medication to take.

The control systems 840, 890 or 990 operate in much the same way ascontrol system 114 to obtain consumption information. The vials 20 andcassettes 950 are secured and locked to the ports 820, 870 or 920 of thecontainer 800, 850 or 900 by first access control mechanism 845, 895 or995. Each vial 20 or cassette 950 has an opening 830, 880 or 930 forremoving medication 15. The vial openings 830 or 880 are closed by door835 or selector shaft 885. The door 835 or shaft 885 is locked closed839 or 889 by a second access control mechanism 846 or 896. The blistercassette 900 prevents individual blister packs 975 from being pulledfrom opening 930 by second access control mechanism 996. At theappropriate prescribed time, the processor 120 sends electrical currentto the second access control mechanism 846, 896 or 996 to unlock thedoor 835, selector 885 or blister packet 975.

Container 800 requires the appropriate access door 835 corresponding tothe particular vial 20 containing the prescribed medication 15 to bemoved to its open position 838 from its corresponding porthole 820 toremove medication. When the door 835 or selector shaft 885 is moved toits open position 838 or 888, the sensor 847 or 897 sends a signal toprocessor 120 indicating that the appropriate dose or doses ofmedication 15 has been removed and consumed. When the machine readableand writable memory device 60 is used, the processor 120 writes to orotherwise alters the memory strip 60 to note this consumptioninformation 80.

The medication containers 800, 850 and 900 compare the severalmedications 15 contained in their vials 20 or cassettes 950 by comparingthe information 80 in each of their corresponding memory strips 60. Forexample, the processor 120 references and compares the lists ofcontraindicated medications that are part of the medication information84. Should the processor 120 determine that two or more types ofmedications 15 secured to the unitary lid 810, 860 or 960 arecontraindicated, the processor will display an appropriate message onthe display 132 or activate one of the alarms 134, 136 or 138 tocommunicate this to the patient. Every time a medication 15 is issued toa patient, the most recent list of contraindications is included in thememory strip 60 or 960 of the vials 20 or cassettes 950. A list ofcontraindicated medications can also be maintained in the memory 125 ofthe lid 810, 860 or 910.

The memory 125 of each organizer 800, 850 or 900 is loaded withinformation containing a list of medications for whom the particularpatient is known to be allergic. The organizer 800, 850 or 900 willalert the patient or care giver if one of the vials 20 or cassettes 950secured to the unitary lid 810, 860 or 910 contains medicationidentified as being one of the medications in the list of allergicmedications. The list of allergic medications can be downloaded from apharmacy workstation to the memory 125 prior to giving the unitary lidto the particular patient or their care giver. The list of allergicmedications can also be downloaded from the memory device 60 or 960 ofone of the vials 20 or cassettes 950 and secured to the unitary lid 810,860 or 960. The processor 120 then compares each type of medicationcontained by the vials 20 or cassettes 950 secured to the unitary lid tothe list of allergic medications to determine if one of the vials orcassettes contains an allergic medication. If an allergic medication isidentified, the processor 120 indicates an appropriate message on thedisplay 132 or activates one of the alarms 134, 136 or 138 to warn thepatient or care giver that the particular patient is allergic to one ofthe types of medications contained in one of the vials 20 or cassettes950.

When medications are prescribed for consumption in paired dosingregimens, this information is noted by the pharmacy on the memory strip60 or 910, and communicated to the processor 120 when the vial 20 orcassette 950 is secured to the unitary lid 810, 860 or 960. The memorystrip 60 or 960 contains information identifying that this type ofmedication 15 is prescribed for use with an other type of medication.The memory strip 60 or 960 also contains information identifying thisother type of medication. The processor 120 uses the prescriptioninformation 80 of both memory strips 60 or 960 to determine anappropriate medication schedule such as drug A on Monday, drug B onTuesday, drug A on Wednesday, etc. The organizer 800, 850 or 900 alertsthe patient via the display 132 or audible alarm 134 if one pairedmedication is attached to the organizer, but the other is not. Theprocessor 120 checks the information received from the various memorydevices 60 or 960 of the vials 20 or cassettes 950 secured to theunitary lid 810, 860 or 910 to ensure that vials or cassettes containingboth types of paired medications 15. The processor 120 displays anappropriate message on the display 132 or activates an alarm 134, 136 or138 if information identifying both types of paired medications 15 havenot been received.

Each organizer 800, 850 or 900 contains medication prescribed orotherwise intended for a particular individual. The organizer 800, 850or 900 will alert that individual if one of the vials 20 or cassettes950 secured to the unitary lid 810, 860 or 910 contains medicationintended for an individual other than this particular individual. Forexample, if one family member inadvertently secures the vial 20 orcassette 950 containing one type or strength of medication prescribedfor another family member to their unitary lid 810, 860 or 910, thecontainer 800, 850 or 900 will alert the individual of this fact. Thememory device 60 or 960 of each vial 20 or cassette 950 containsinformation that identifies the particular person for whom themedication is prescribed or prescribed person information. The memory125 of the unitary lid 810, 860 or 960 is provided with particularpatient information that identifies the person that should be using theunitary lid. The particular patient information can be downloaded from apharmacy workstation to the memory 125 prior to giving the unitary lidto the particular patient or their care giver. The particular patientinformation can also be downloaded from the memory device 60 or 960 of afirst vial 20 or cassette 950 secured to the unitary lid 810, 860 or910. In this case, the particular patient information is the same as theprescribed information contained in the memory device 60 or 960 of thatfirst vial 20 or cassette 950 secured to the unitary lid 810, 860 or910. The computer 120 then compares the particular patient informationto the prescribed patient information to determine if they identify thesame patient. If the two sets of patient information do not identify thesame patient, the processor 120 indicates an appropriate message on thedisplay 132 or activate one of the alarms 134, 136 or 138 to warn thepatient or care giver that the particular type of medication in the vial20 or cassette 950 is not intended for this particular patient.

When the processor 120 determines that two different medications 15 areto be taken at the same time, the organizer 800, 850 or 900 signals theindicator 136 to flash or the display 132 to indicate a messageinstructing the patient to consume the proper amount of each medication.The processor 120 instructs the patient to take one type of medication15 at a time. The patient is alerted to each appropriate prescribedmedication in sequence. This sequencing avoids telling the patient tosimultaneously obtain two pills from a first vial 20 or cassette 950 andone pill from a second vial or cassette. Many patients may get confusedand dispense them in the opposite quantities. With respect to container800, since in the patient is removing the medication via the accessdoors 835, they may accidentally remove too many pills from each door,and return them to the wrong vial 20.

As in container 10, the containers 800, 850 and 900 include buttons 160,162, 164 and 166 that electro-mechanically communicate information tothe processor 120. By pressing one of the buttons, the patient is ableto send an electrical signal to the processor 120 in response to aquestion shown on the display 132 or to indicate an action to be taken,such as turn off or deactivate an alert or alarm 134 or 136. Otherbuttons are located on the bottom surface 815, 875 or 915 of the lid810, 860 or 910 to enable the patient to set the correct date, hour andminute of the real time clock 145 that is in electrical communicationwith the processor 120 via the circuit board 130.

Eighth Embodiment

Much of the construction and operation of the eighth embodiment issimilar or identical to the first and other above embodiments inconstruction and operation. For this reason only the distinctionsbetween the eighth embodiment and the previous embodiments will bedescribed here in detail. Some of the operational aspects of the eighthembodiment also apply to the earlier embodiments. In FIGS. 35-39elements that are similar to elements described in the previousembodiments use similar numbers. For example a processor identified bythe numeral 120 is identified by the same numeral in the eighthembodiment

FIGS. 35-37 show an eighth embodiment of the invention where container1100 includes a vial 1102 with an alignment plate 1104 with an exposedfront surface 1107 supporting an interactive label 1106 and a cap 1108that releasably mates to vial 1102. Plate 1104 is designed to includetwo side rails 1105 which project laterally from plate and are shaped soplate 1104 can be releasably mated with sensing or reminder unit 1114comprised of computer processor 120 which when mated to plate 1104 isable to read stored information 80 on label 1106 to control a variety ofalarms and visual display. Plate 1104 further includes locking aperture1109 discussed below. When reminder unit 1114 is mated to container1100, it forms a completed assembly. When the reminder unit 1114 is leftoff, the container is referred to as container 1101.

Vial 1102 includes compartment 1120 defined by cylindrical wall 1122, aclosed bottom end 1124, and an open top end 1126. Medication 15 isinserted into and removed from compartment 1120 via the open end 1126 ofthe vial 1102. The cylinder has an inner surface 1128 and an outersurface 1130. The vial 1102 is made of a unitary plastic similar toother conventional vial-type containers. Plate 1104 can be part of vial1102 or a separate piece attached or adhered to outer surface 1130 orvial 1102.

Vial 1102 has several securement ratchets 40 for securing and sealingthe cap 1108 against the open end 1126 of the vial. The ratchets 40 areevenly spaced around the open end 1126, and protrude from the outersurface 1130 of the vial 1102. The ratchets are similar to those foundon conventional childproof medication containers as in FIG. 1. Theratchets are more fully described in the first embodiment. Other methodsof closing vial 1102 are contemplated, for example a lid attached tovial 1102 by a living hinge.

Vial 1102 includes interactive label 1106. The label is affixed to plate1104 and may be constructed similar to interactive label 50 describedabove however it no longer has textual portion 52. Interactive label1106 includes an electronic machine readable memory 60. Memory 60 islinked to external electrical contacts 62 via links or electrical wires64. Memory 60 contains information 80. It is contemplated that memory 60can include writable segments. In some applications interactive label1106 can be replaced or augmented with a machine readable bar code 1134.When plate 1104 is adhered to vial 1102 it is placed so as not toobscure textual portion 52 of label 1136. Similarly, when plate 1104 isan integral part of vial 1102 and memory contacts 62 require physicalcontact in order to allow memory 60 to be read, label 1136 is positionedso as not to cover contacts 62.

Reminder unit 1114 includes housing 1140 with a front 1141 and rear1143. The rear 1143 shaped to include blind rear slot 1142 and housingside rails 1144. The rear surface of the reminder unit has exposedsensors or electrical contacts 1150. Reminder unit 1114 is attached toplate 1104 by positioning the unit above the top surface of the plateand aligning the opening of slot 1142 with rails 1105 and sliding theunit down in direction D1 until the unit is completely down so that thetop of plate is resting against the upper surface of blind slot 1142.When so positioned electrical contacts 1150 of the unit are in contactwith electrical contacts 62 of interactive label 1106 allowing processor120 to read the contents of memory strip 60. While vial 1102 is attachedto reminder unit 1114 by mating plate 1104 to slot 1142, other methodsof attaching vial to reminder unit are contemplated so that sensors 1150are aligned with contacts 62.

Other features of reminder unit 1114 are exposed electrical contacts1156 and locking aperture 1158 on the front 1141 of housing 1140 whoseuse is discussed below.

As shown in FIG. 9, the reminder unit 1114 has a control systemincluding computer processor 120 with its own memory 125. Processor 120and memory 125 are located on and in electrical communication with acircuit board 130 located in reminder unit 1114 for protection, see FIG.36. The processor 120 of circuit board 130 is electrically connected viaconductors 1152 to exposed electrical contacts 1150 on the rear surfaceof housing 1140. The circuit board 130 electrically connects theprocessor 120 to a visual communication device such as an LCD display132. The LCD display 132 visually displays desired information to thepatient, such as the date and time the next dose of medication is to betaken and the number of pills to be taken. The display 132 can alsoindicate an access alert or warning to the patient, such as the factthat the patient is so overdue in taking a dose of medication that thatdose should no longer be taken. The circuit board 130 also electricallyconnects the processor 120 to a variety of alarming devices such asaudible, visual and vibrational communication devices or alarms 134, 136and 138, respectively. These alarms 134, 136 and 138 indicate a varietyof warnings to a patient, such as when it is time to take a dose ofmedication. The circuit board 130 also electrically connects theprocessor 120 to a communication device such as an infrared transmitter140 that transmits information to or receives information from aseparate personal or business computer 270 as discussed above. Circuitboard 130 also electrically connects processor 120 to a cap sensor 1160,such as a switch, to detect when cap 1108 is removed and replaced onvial 1102. Other sensors are contemplated such as magnetic detectors,photo detectors, and electrical contacts.

As shown in FIGS. 36 and 9, the circuit board 130 is in electricalcommunication with a power source 150, such as a battery or solar cell,that powers the processor 120, the display 132, alarms 134, 136, and138, transmitter 140 and a timing device such as a real time clock 145.

The circuit board 130 is in electrical communication with a button 160for electro-mechanically communicating information to the processor 120.(See FIG. 35). By pressing button 160, the patient is able to send anelectrical signal to the processor 120 in response to a question shownon the display 132 or to indicate an action to be taken, such as turnoff an alert or alarm. Additional buttons (not shown) or a touch screenmembrane (not shown) for display 132 can be provided to enable thepatient to set the correct date, hour and minute of the real time clock145 that is in electrical communication with the processor 120 via thecircuit board 130. The computer processor 120 uses the prescribed dosingregimen information 82 and the timing device 145 to calculate orotherwise develop the prescribed times for taking the medication 15.Computer processor 120 monitors timing device 145 to determine when thepredetermined times to take the medication occur. The computer processorthen informs the patient or individual that it is time to take a dose ofmedication 15 via the display 132 or an alarm 134, 136 or 138.

As shown in FIG. 35, reminder unit 1114 further includes an accesscontrol device formed by the computer processor 120 and a device such assolenoid locking mechanism or assembly 180 that is in electricalcommunication with the processor via the circuit board 130. The lockingassembly 180 controls the patient's ability to access and remove themedication 15 from the vial 20 until the time the next dose ofmedication is due according to the prescribed dosing regimen. Theassembly 180 includes an armature 182 and a spring 184 for biasing aplunger 186 into a normal, extended position as shown in solid lines inFIGS. 38 and 39. As explained above, to seal the vial 1102, the cap 1108is first aligned with open end 1126 of the vial so that the hold downlugs 106 are positioned above and in between the ratchets 40 of thecontainer. (See FIG. 38). The cap 1108 is then depressed into aremovably aligned position over the open end 1126 so that the lugs 106move directly between the ratchets 40. The plunger 186 contacts thelower surface of a hold down lug 106 which causes spring 182 tocompress. The cap 1108 is then rotated clockwise into its securedposition where each hold down lug 106 rests in the cup 42 of itsrespective ratchet 40. When in this secured position, plunger 186 clearsthe side 46 of the ratchet 40 so that spring 184 biases the plunger intoits normal, extended position. Attempts to remove the cap 1108 byrotating it counterclockwise are resisted by plunger 186, which abutsthe side 46 of the ratchet 40. The cap 1108 is now locked into itssecured position. The processor 120 is programmed to activate thesolenoid locking assembly 180 to draw down the armature 182 and plunger186 when the next medication dosage is due to be taken. Only then canthe cap 1108 be rotated counterclockwise and removed.

As previously described memory strip 60 can have its own processor 120.The memory strip 60 is directly wired to processor 120 and serves as thememory of the processor. The memory 125 in the reminder unit 1114 iseliminated. This saves the costs associated with producing two memorydevices, without compromising the disposability of vial 1102. It iscontemplated that as other components of reminder unit 1114 are reducedin cost that they can be mounted on plate 1104 or interactive label1106. Similarly the components of cap 100 can be placed on interactivelabel 50 or vial 20 as they become affordable to dispose of.

Operation of Eighth Embodiment

When the reminder unit 1114 is mated to the container 1100, the controlsystem is complete. The contacts 1150 of the rear 1141 wall of housing1140 are in electrical contact with the contacts 62 of the memory strip60, and the information 80 in the memory strip is in electricalcommunication with or can otherwise be read by the processor 120 in thereminder unit. Predetermined portions of information 80 from the memorystrip 60 are used to compute the next prescribed time for taking adosage of medication 15 and activate an alarm or otherwise communicatethat information to the patient when that time occurs. The reminder unit1114 will keep an accurate count of the number of times the medicationcontainer is opened each day and advise the patient against consumingtoo many pills in too short a time. This is particularly useful formedications 15 that are prescribed to be used on an as needed basis(e.g. pain medication), but not to be consumed more than a certainamount in any given day.

Reminder unit 1114 activates an alarm to indicate that some of themedication in container 1100 is to be consumed. The patient can removecap 1108 from vial 1102 in response to the alarm. By momentarilypressing button 160 the patient can disable the alarm. Based on thisuser action, the time from clock 145 and information 80, processor 120computes the next prescribed time for taking a dosage of medication 15and activating an alarm at that time. To track patient compliance withthe dosing regimen, the processor 120 can obtain the time the userpressed button 160 from clock 145 and record it in memory 60 or 125.

As a convenience to the patient they may press button 160 for a longerperiod of time to temporarily cancel the current alarm for a period oftime, for example 15 minutes, when it is more convenient for the patientto consume the medication. The patient by pressing button 160 twice orby pressing a separate button (not shown) can cancel the alarmindicating to the processor that the current dose is going to beskipped. Processor 120 then computes the time of the next dose ofmedication 15 is to be consumed and activating an alarm then. Processorcan record the time of the canceled alarm in memory 60 or 125 forcompliance tracking purposes.

When button 160 is pressed to indicate a dose of medication has beenconsumed processor 120 uses information 80 to subtract the prescribedamount of medication to be consumed from the quantity of medicationremaining in container 1100 to keep an accurate track of the currentsupply of medication. The user may be prompted using display 132 to usebutton 160 or other buttons (not shown) to indicate how many pills wereactually consumed should it differ from prescription information 82. Theuser provided number is then used to maintain the quantity of medicationremaining in container 1100.

Alternately processor 120 can use sensor 1160 to sense when the patientremoves or replaces cap 1108 from vial 1102 and use the input fromsensor 1160 to disable the alarm. Based on this user action, the timefrom clock 145 and information 80, processor 120 computes the nextprescribed time for taking a dosage of medication 15 and activating analarm at that time. To track patient compliance with the dosing regimen,the processor 120

Can obtain the time sensor 1160 indicated cap 1108 was removed orreplaced, from clock 145 and record it in memory 60 or 125. Button 160can still be used to temporarily disable or to cancel the alarm asmentioned above.

It should be noted that when the time of dosing is written to memory 125and not to memory 60, then memory 60 can be read only or can be replacedby bar code 1134 holding information 80 and contacts 1150 can bereplaced by a bar code reader (not shown).

In some cases it is desirable that medication 15 be consumed proximalbut before a consumption alert is presented. In this case, button 160can be pressed three times or another button (not shown) can bedepressed to indicate to processor 120 that a dose of medication hasbeen consumed. When sensor 1160 is used, processor 120 can use a signalfrom sensor 1160 and the clock 145 to indicate that medication is beingconsumed early. Dosing regimen 82 or program codes 86 can be used todetermine that medication 15 can be consumed up to specific amount oftime (e.g. 2 hours) prior when an alert is to be presented. In thiscase, reminder 1114 can acknowledge that medication 15 is being consumedand processor 120 can cancel the next alert that was to be presented andcomputing the second next consumption time to be used for presenting aconsumption alert. In this case, the processor can record theconsumption time in memory 60 or 125. However, if processor 120determines that the medication is being consumed too early (e.g. 3 hoursbefore an alert), processor can use devices 132, 134, 136, 138 toindicate that the medication is being consumed too early. It should benoted that when sensor 1160 indicates cap 1108 is removed and replacedin a short period of time (for example less than 5 seconds), processor120 can interpret this as an attempt to visually inspect the quantity ofmedication in vial 1102 as opposed to a consumption event.

Ninth Embodiment

Much of the construction and operation of the ninth embodiment issimilar or identical to the eighth and other above embodiments inconstruction and operation. For this reason only the distinctionsbetween the ninth embodiment and the previous embodiments will bedescribed here in detail. Some of the operational aspects of the eighthembodiment also apply to the earlier embodiments. In FIGS. 40 and 41elements that are similar to elements described in the previousembodiments use similar numbers. For example a processor identified bythe numeral 120 is identified by the same numeral in the eighthembodiment.

FIGS. 40-41 show a ninth embodiment of the invention where container1200 is in the form of a medication inhaler, which includes an aerosolcartridge 1202 with an interactive label 1106, and an aerosol dispenser1204. Dispenser 1204 can be releasably mated to sensing or reminder unit1208 comprised of computer processor 120. When mated to dispenser 1204,reminder unit 1208 is able to read stored information 80 on label 1106to control a variety of alarms and visual displays.

Cartridge 1202 is of a conventional design and includes a compartment1220 defined by a generally cylindrical wall 1222, a closed bottom end1224, and a valve top end 1226. Compartment 1220 holds medication 15under pressure by a propellant 1228. Cartridge is placed in dispenser1204 so that valve end 1226 mates with atomizer 1230. Medication isdispensed by exerting a downward force on cartridge 1202 causing thevalve (not shown) of valve end 1226 to open momentarily. Propellant 1228propels a dose of medication 15 through atomizer 1230. The patientinhales the atomized medication through delivery opening 1232.

As shown in FIG. 41 cartridge 1202 includes interactive label 1106.Interactive label 1106 is similar or identical to interactive label 50,and includes an electronic machine readable memory 60. Memory 60 islinked to external electrical contacts 62 via links or electrical wires64. Memory 60 contains information 80. Contacts 62 may be constructed soas to extend around the cylindrical wall 1222, so cartridge 1202 can beplaced in dispenser 1204 without concern about the orientation ofcontacts 62. It is contemplated that memory 60 can include writablesegments. In some applications, interactive label 1106 is replaced oraugmented with a machine readable bar code 1134. Bar code 1134 isprinted as a series of horizontal stripes around cylindrical wall 1222,so cartridge 1202 can be inserted into dispenser 1204 in any orientationand bar code will still be read by a bar code reader (not shown) sensingthe vertical changes in stripes (bars) as the cartridge is inserted.

Dispenser 1204 has a rear wall 1235 with opening 1236, exposingelectrical contacts 62 of interactive label 50. Reminder unit 1208includes housing 1240 with a front 1241 and rear 1243. The rear 1243 ofreminder unity 1208 is contoured to fit the rear wall 1235. The rear1243 also including a sensing projection 1245 with exposed sensors orelectrical contacts 1247. Reminder unit 1208 is attached to dispenser1204 by aligning projection 1245 with opening 1236 and pressing themtogether. A variety of methods can be used to secure reminder unit 1208to dispenser 1204, such as a pressure fit between projection 1245 andopening 1236. When secured in place, electrical contacts 1247 of theunit are in contact with electrical contacts 62 of interactive label1106 allowing processor 120 to read the contents of memory strip 60.

Other features of reminder unit 1208 are exposed electrical contacts1156 and locking aperture 1158 on the front of housing 1240 as discussedbelow. This lock aperture 1158 is located in the same place as theaperture 1158 of housing 1140.

As shown in FIG. 9, the reminder unit 1208 has a control systemincluding computer processor 120 with its own memory 125. Processor 120and memory 125 are located on and in electrical communication with acircuit board 130 located in reminder unit 1208 for protection. (SeeFIG. 41). The processor 120 of circuit board 130 is electricallyconnected via conductors 1252 to exposed electrical contacts 1247 on therear surface 1243 of housing 1240. Other electrical components ofreminder unit 1208 are similar to those described in the seventhembodiment. The front 1241 of housing 1240 can be configured identicallyto front 1141 of housing 1140.

An access control device such as solenoid 180 can be implemented betweenreminder unit 1208 and aerosol dispenser 1204 to prevent access tomedication 15 in cartridge 1202. For example, the dispenser 1204includes ratchets 40 for securing a cap or cover 1108 to prevent accessto cartridge 1202. While the form of such an access control device willdiffer in structure, the fundamentals of access control are well know tothose knowledgeable in the art and will not be discussed further here.

Operation of Ninth Embodiment

When the reminder unit 1208 is mated to the dispenser 1204, the controlsystem is complete. The contacts 1247 of the rear wall 1243 of housing1240 are in electrical contact with the contacts 62 of the memory strip60, and the information 80 in the memory strip is in electricalcommunication with or can otherwise be read by the processor 120 in thereminder unit 1208. Predetermined portions of information 80 from thememory strip 60 are used to compute the next prescribed time for takinga dosage of medication 15 and activate an alarm or otherwise communicatethat information to the patient when that time occurs. The reminder unit1208 will keep an accurate count of the number of times the medicationcontainer is opened each day and advise the patient against consumingtoo many aerosol doses in too short a time. This is particularly usefulfor medications 15 that are prescribed to be used on an as needed basis(e.g. pain or asthma medication), but not to be consumed more than acertain amount in any given day.

Reminder unit 1208 activates an alarm to indicate to that some of themedication in container 1200 is to be consumed. The patient pressescartridge 1202 down into dispenser 1204 to deliver a dose of medication15 in response to the alarm. By momentarily pressing button 160 thepatient can disable the alarm. The consumption indicator is triggered byeither pressing the button 160 or cartridge 1202. Based on this useraction, the time from clock 145 and information 80, processor 120computes the next prescribed time for taking a dosage of medication 15,another alarm is activated at that time. To track patient compliancewith the dosing regimen, processor 120 obtains the times the userdepressed cartridge 1202 from clock 145 and records this actualconsumption time information or compliance data in memory 60 or 125.

Alternately, processor 120 uses electrical contacts 1247 to sense whenthe patient administers a dose of medication 15 from container 1200.Processor 120 is normally in communication with memory 60. When thepatient presses cartridge 1202 down in aerosol dispenser 1204 todispense a dose, communication is interrupted by the movement ofcontacts 62 causing electrical contacts 1247 to no longer be inelectrical contact with contacts 62. A separate sensor such as a switchor other contacts arranged to detect this motion (not shown) can be usedto detect or sense the depression of the cartridge 1202. When theprocessor 120 is no longer in communication with memory 60, it disablesthe alarm. Based on this user action, the time from clock 145 andinformation 80, processor 120 computes the next prescribed time fortaking a dosage of medication 15. Another alarm is activated at thattime. To track patient compliance with the dosing regimen, processor 120obtains the times the user depressed cartridge 1202 from clock 145 andrecords this actual consumption time information in memory 60 or 125.Button 160 can still be used to temporarily disable or to cancel thealarm as mentioned above.

It should be noted that when the time of dosing is written to memory 125and not to memory 60, then memory 60 can be read only or can be replacedby bar code 1134 holding information 80 and contacts 1150 can bereplaced by a bar code reader (not shown).

Tenth Embodiment

Much of the construction and operation of the tenth embodiment issimilar or identical to the fifth, sixth, eighth and other aboveembodiments in construction and operation. For this reason only thedistinctions between the tenth embodiment and the previous embodimentswill be described here in detail. In FIGS. 42-44 elements that aresimilar to elements described in the previous embodiments use similarnumbers. For example a processor identified by the numeral 120 isidentified by the same numeral in the fifth embodiment.

This embodiment of the invention entails a medication organizing system1300 for interacting with containers 1100 and 1101 or dispenser 1200.Other containers with either a compatible plate 1104 or reminder unit1114 or 1208, with side rails 1144, may also be mounted to organizer1300. For purposes of brevity, most of the description will only discussthe use of container 1100 being mated to organizing system 1300 unless adiffering aspect not common to container 1100 is being described.

Physical Elements

FIG. 42 shows the medication organizing system 1300 for severaldifferent types of medication. The organizing system 1300 includes atleast one container that is the same as or similar to container 1100,1101 or dispenser 1200. Each particular container 1100, 1101 ordispenser 1200 is removably secured to a console or unitary dispenser1310 as discussed below. Each particular container 1100 is equipped withits own corresponding interactive label 1106 and machine readable andwritable memory strip 60. However, it should be understood that in thisembodiment of the invention, the label 1106 need not be interactive. Themachine readable and writable memory strip 60 can be replaced by amemory device that is only machine readable. For example, memory strip60 and its contacts 62 and wires 64 can be replaced by the severalconductive/non-conductive or reflective/non-reflective surfaces andground surface 352-358 of container 300, or by a conventional bar code1134 applied to the surface of the label 50.

Dispenser 1310 includes a housing 1311 with front 1312, rear 1313, top1314, bottom 1315, end surfaces 1316 and 1317, and rear support foot1318. Arranged along the rear 1313 of top 1314 are one or more ports1319 and 1320 in the form of blind slots. Slots 1319 are designed tomate with plate 1104 of container 1101 or with any other container witha similarly designed plate 1104. Container 1101 is positioned above anempty slot 1319 of dispenser 1310, so the rails 1105 of plate 1104 canmate with the slot. The container 1101 is then slid downward so plate1104 is fully engaged in slot 1319. When so positioned, contacts 62 arein contact with contacts 1150 of dispenser 1310 and processor 1378 canread memory 60.

Each of slots 1320 is designed to mate with the reminder units 1114 or1208 of containers 1100 and 1200 in a manner similar to the mating ofplate 1104. Slot 1320 is sized to receive and capture side rails 1144.Again when containers 1100 or 1200 are mated to dispenser 1310medication information 80 contained in memory 60 can be accessed byprocessor 1378 via contacts 1322 making contact with contacts 1156.Other containers with a reminder unit with similarly designed rails 1144can also be used. Other methods of mating containers to dispenser 1310are contemplated. It is also envisioned that rails 1144 can be the samesize as rails 1105 to allow reminder units 1114 and 1208 to mate withslot 1319 and placing contacts 1156 in electrical contact with contacts1150.

When the container 1100 is secured to the dispenser 1310, medication 15can be removed from the container 1100 by removing the container fromthe corresponding slot 1319 and removing cap 1108 in the conventionalmanner. When the container 1100 is secured to the dispenser 1310,medication 15 can be removed from the container by first removing thecontainer from the corresponding slot 1119 or 1320 and removing cap1108, or using the dispenser 1200, in the manner appropriate for theeighth and ninth embodiments.

The each slot 1319 and 1320 has a latch access control device such assolenoid 1345 with plunger 1349. Medication 15 can be sealed in thecontainer 1100 when the container is secured to the dispenser 1310 andthe plunger 1349 is in its extended position (See FIG. 43). Medication15 is removed from one of the containers 1100 by retracting theappropriate plunger 1349.

Alternate Placement of Container 1100

While a specific alignment plate with interactive label 1106 has beenshown mating container 1100 to dispenser 1310, other methods arecontemplated. For example vial 1102 does not need to have plate 1104.Instead the vial 1102 can have interactive label 1106 encircle the vial,allowing contacts 62 to also encircle vial 1102. Contacts 62 arearranged as a series of stripes. Slot 1319 of dispenser 1310 is thenreplaced by a round hole sized to fit vial 1102. Container 1101 withvial 1102 is placed in the hole so that contacts 1150 are in electricalcontact with contacts 62. Alternately, the contacts 62 can be arrangedin a single vertical row, without encircling vial 1102. Contacts 1150are arranged as circular members on the inside of the hole in dispenser1310. When the vial is placed in the hole, contacts 1150 are inelectrical contact with contacts 62. Other means of physically orlogically associating container 1100, 1101 are contemplated

Control System

As shown in FIG. 28, the dispensing system 1300 includes a controlsystem 1340 that is similar to the control system 114 of cap 100 shownin FIG. 9. The control system 1340 is broken into two subsets ofcomponents 1341 and 1342. The components forming these two subsets 1341and 1342 are the same types of components as in control system 114. Thefirst subset 1341 has a one-to-one correlation between components insystem 114, and includes computer processor 1304, memory 1306, audibleand vibratory alarms 134 and 138, real time clock 145, battery 150, asingle display 132, such as an LCD, and buttons 160, 162, 164 and 166.Subset 1341 also includes a radio frequency (RF) paging receiver 1343for receiving necessary changes in the prescribed dosing regimen.Receiver 1343 can include a transmitter for two way radio communicationsso patient compliance data can be transmitted to a healthcare providerand to allow the dispenser 1310 to reorder medication from a pharmacy,for example the pharmacy listed in information 80. Receiver can bereplaced with telecommunications modem or Ethernet adapter 1350 andattached cable 1352 to access the conventional Internet computernetwork.

The second subset 1342 has at least one set 1344 of components includingone sensor 1150, and one indicator light 134 for each slot 1319 and 1320in the dispenser 1310. Each set 1344 also includes first control device1345 and a second access control device 1346. The indicator 134 of aparticular set 1344 is located directly in front of the particular slot1320 and container 1100 for that set. The circuit board 1348 to whichthe components of subsets 1341 and 1342 are linked to processor 1304 issomewhat larger than the board in cap 100 or reminder unit 1114 due tothe increase in number of components and the spacing apart of thevarious sets 1344 of components along the length of the dispenser 1310.

Reading Information 80

FIG. 43 shows slot 1319 mated to vial 1102 of container 1100, equippedwith machine readable and writable memory strip 60 and contacts 62. Thesensors 1150 are located on the inside surface of each slot 1319. Whenthe container 1100 is secured to its particular slot 1320, the contacts62 are in electrical communication with the sensors 1150 for that slot.As stated above, the memory strip 60 can be replaced by a memory devicethat is only machine readable. For example, the vial can be equippedwith conductive/non-conductive or reflective/non-reflective surfaces352-358 as in FIG. 16 or bar code 1134 of FIG. 32. When the vial 1102 isequipped with the conventional bar code in lieu of memory strip 60, thesensors 1150 are optical sensors that read the bar coded informationwhen the vial 1102 is slid into one of the slot 1320.

When container 1101 is mated to dispenser 1310 contacts 1150 are inelectrical contact with contacts 62, allowing processor 1304 to read thecontents of memory 60. When container 1100 or 1200 is mated to dispenser1310 contacts 1156 are in electrical contact with contacts 1322,allowing processor 1304 to read memory 60 of interactive label 1106. Theprocessor 1304 is in communication with memory 125 of processor 120 ofreminder unit 1114 or 1208.

Access Control System

As shown in FIG. 28, the control system 1340 is equipped with two accesscontrol devices 1345 and 1346. These devices 1345 and 1346 are similarin design to solenoid locking assembly 180. Control device 1345 locksthe container 1101 to dispenser 1310 by extending plunger 1349 into lockaperture 1158 of plate 1104 until a predetermined time, such as when thevial is empty. The first access control device or vial locking solenoidassembly 1345 and plunger 1349 serves to retain container 1101 todispenser 1310 until a dose of medication is to be consumed. A similarsolenoid assembly (not shown) can be used to secure container 1100 or1200 to dispenser 1310 until a dose of medication is to be consumed. Thesecond access control device or solenoid assembly 1346 locks the cap1108 in its closed position (See FIG. 39) to prevent the removal ofmedication 15 until the prescribed time to take the particularmedication contained in the corresponding container 1101. This secondaccess control device 1346 includes a solenoid and plunger assembly (notshown) similar to solenoid locking assembly 180. Alternately, the accesscontrol device 1346 can be a fixed projection that prevents cap 1108from being removed from vial 1102 when the container 1100 is attached todispenser 1310. When the processor 1304 uses information 80 contained inthe information strip 60 of plate 1104 and the clock 145 to indicatethat the prescribed dose of medication in a particular vial or containeris due, the processor 1304 sends electric current to the solenoid ofassembly 1345 to withdraw plunger 1349 from engagement with the lockingaperture 1109 so that containers 1100 or 1101 or dispenser 1200 can beremoved from unitary dispenser 1310.

When container 1101 is removed from dispenser 1310, contacts 1150 are nolonger in contact with contacts 62 of interactive label 1106. Processor1304 can no longer read memory 60 and thereby determine that vial hasbeen removed from dispenser 1310. Other methods can be used to determinethat a vial has been removed, such as a switch, photo detector, ormagnetic sensor. The processor 1304 uses this to indicate that theprescribed dose of medication 15 is being taken from the correspondingcontainer 1101.

A similar process is used to unlock container 1100 or dispenser 1200from organizer 1310 and determine that it has been removed. Processor1304 can no longer detect the presence of the reminder unit 1114 viacontacts 1322, which are not in electrical contact with contacts 1156.

Operation of Tenth Embodiment

The following is provided to assist the reader in understanding theoperation of the preceding embodiment of the invention. Some of theoperation of the tenth embodiment can also be applied to the previousembodiments.

Presenting Medication Consumption Alerts

When a medication is dispensed by the pharmacy, a pharmacy staff worker,a healthcare worker or a patient mates plate 1104 of container 1101 toone of the slots 1319 of dispenser 1310. Alternately, container 1100 canbe mated to reminder unit 1114, or cartridge 1202 can be mated toaerosol dispenser 1204, and then either the reminder unit or aerosoldispenser is mated to a slot 1320 of dispenser 1310. It is furthercontemplated that other types and shapes of containers with plate 1104or a reminder unit can be similarly attached to dispenser 1310, allowingit to be used with any form of medication the patient is to consume.

The dispenser 1310 holds and organizes at least one container 1100,1101, or dispenser 1200. Each dispenser 1310 has at least one slot 1319or 1320 for receiving the vials 1102 or reminder units 1114 or 1208.Each slot 1319 has one corresponding pair of sensors 1150 or 374 forreading information 80 contained in the memory device 60, 352-358, or1134, any of which can be applied to vial 1102. Each slot 1320 has onecorresponding pair of contacts or sensors 1322 for reading information80 from reminder 1114 or 1208. Information 80 in turn having been readfrom memory device 60 by processor 120 of reminder 1114 or 1208 ordirectly by processor 1304 through linking contacts 1156 and 1150.

Processor 1304 organizes the activation of the display 132 and alarm134, 136 and 138 for instructing and alerting the patient when it istime to consume one of the prescribed medications 15 held by thedispenser 1310. When container 1100, 1101 or dispenser 1200 is securedto the dispenser 1310, the processor 1304 reads the prescriptioninformation 80 from the memory device 60 or from processor 120 or memory125 of reminder 1114 or 1208 and calculates the appropriate time to takeeach of the medications 15 contained that container 1100, 1101 ordispenser 1200.

The computer processor 1304 uses the prescribed dosing regimeninformation 82 and the timing device 145 to calculate or otherwisedevelop the prescribed times for taking each of the differentmedications 15 in container 1100, 1101, or dispenser 1200 mated todispenser 1310. The computer processor 1304 monitors timing device 145to determine when the predetermined times to take the medication occur.The computer processor 1304 then informs the patient that it is time totake a dose of medication 15 via one of the appropriate display 132,indicator 136, or other various alarms 134 and 138.

Information 80 can also be communicated to the processor 1304 frommemory 60 via electrical contacts 1150 or via an RF or magneticallycoupled link.

When the processor 1304 determines that at least one medication 15 isdue, the processor issues an audible consumption alert using speaker134. This alert can be in the form of a voice synthesized message thatindicates the correct vial 1202, or reminder 1114 and vial 1102, orreminder 1208 and cartridge 1202 to access and the amount of medicationto consume. The processor 1304 also instructs the LED display 132 toshow a message or the indicator light 136 to flash directly in front ofthe appropriate slot 1319 or 1320 and container 1100, 1101 or dispenser1200 with prescribed medication 15 to be taken at this time, and theamount of that medication to take.

The dispenser 1310 control system 1340 operates in much the same way ascontrol system 114 to obtain consumption information. The container1100, 1101 or 1200 can be secured and locked to slot 1319 or 1320 of thedispenser 1310 by first access control mechanism 1345 when processor1304 extends plunger 1349 into locking aperture 1109 or 1158. When amedication is to be consumed the appropriate access control mechanism1345 is activated by processor 1304 to withdraw plunger 1349 fromlocking aperture 1109 or 1158, allowing container 1100, 1101 or 1200 tobe removed from dispenser 1310.

Medication's can be consumed before a consumption alert is presented.The consumption indicator (e.g., button 160), or other user inputdevice, can be used to indicate that medication is to be consumed early.Dosing regimen 82 or program codes 86 can be used to determine for eachmedication 15 that it can be consumed up to specific amount of time(e.g. 2 hours) prior when an alert is to be presented. Dispenser 1310acknowledges which medication 15 is to be consumed and processor 1304will cancel the next alert that was to be presented, and computes thesecond next consumption time for presenting a consumption alert. In thiscase the processor can record the consumption time in memory 60, 125,1306. However, if processor 1304 determines that the medication is beingconsumed too early (e.g. 3 hours before an alert), the processor usesdevices 132, 134, 136, 138 to indicate that the medication is beingconsumed too early.

When container 1101 is removed from slot 1319 of dispenser 1310, thealert presented to the patient is canceled, the display still indicatesthe amount of medication the patient should consume. The processor 1304detects the removal via sensors 1322. When the machine readable andwritable memory device 60 is used the processor 1304 writes or otherwisealters the memory strip 60 to note this consumption information 80.Alternately, the consumption information can be written to memory 1306.As medication is consumed, the quantity of medication remaining incontainer 1100, 1101, or dispenser 1200 is updated by processor 1304 inmemory 60, 125, or 1306. Alternately, the consumption information 80 canbe written to memory 60 or 1306, when the container 1101 is reinsertedinto slot 1319.

The same process is performed when container 1100 or 1200 is used. Whenthe container is removed, the alert presented by dispenser 1310 iscanceled, allowing reminder unit 1114 or 1208 to present an alert. Theuser consumes the medication in container 1100 or 1200 in the previouslydescribed manner. The time the medication 15 is consumed is recorded inmemory 60 or 125 as consumption information 80 by processor 120, or bymonitoring button 160 of reminder unit 1114 or 1208, or by monitoringsensor 1160, or by noting that contacts 1247 no longer make contact withcontacts 62. When container 1100 or 1200 is reinserted in slot 1320, theconsumption information is transferred to processor 1304 and recorded inmemory 1306. The consumption information can also be determined byprocessor 1304 as container 1100 or 1200 is removed from or reinsertedinto slot 1320 and written to memory 60, 125, or 1306.

Modifying Dosing Times

While prescription information 82 includes a dosing regimen or a timingschedule as written to memory 60 by the dispensing pharmacy, there arecircumstances when the patient is allowed to modify it. For example thetiming schedule can indicate that medication 15 should be consumed at8:00 am, 4:00 p.m., and 10:00 p.m. If the patient switches from a firstshift job, when they would typically be awake to consume each dose ofmedication 15, to a third shift job, when they would not be awake foreach scheduled dose, the patient is allowed to move the scheduled dosingtimes to meet his work schedule. Using button 160 or others and display132 the patient can identify each medication, review the timing scheduleand adjust the timing schedule forward or backward. This can be done byadvancing all the scheduled consumption times by the same amount oftime. Using program codes 86, individual consumption times can bechanged but only so they are not scheduled too close to a previous orfollowing dosing time.

Determining Contraindicated Medication

The medication dispenser 1310 compares the several medications 15contained in containers 1100, 1101 or 1200 by comparing the information80 in each of their corresponding memory strips 60. The computerprocessor 1304 references and compares the lists of contraindicatedmedications, which are part of the medication information 84. Should twoor more medications 15 be contraindicated, the patient will be alertedto this fact. Every time a medication 15 is issued to a patient, themost recent list of contraindications is included in the memory strip 60or 960 of the vials 20 or cassettes 950. A list of contraindicatedmedications can also be maintained in the memory 125 of dispenser 1310.

Dosing Regimens

Dispenser 1310 can use paired and other complicated dosing regimens asdescribed in the operation of the fifth, sixth, and seventh embodiments.Similarly dispenser 1310 can ensure that only medications for a singleindividual are managed by the dispenser.

Sequencing Medication

When the processor 1304 determines that two different medications 15 areto be taken at the same time, the dispenser 1310 signals the indicator136 to flash or the display 132 to indicate a message instructing thepatient to consume the proper amount of each medication. The processor1304 instructs the patient to take one type of medication 15 at a time.The patient is alerted to each appropriate prescribed medication insequence. This sequencing avoids telling the patient to simultaneouslyobtain medication from a first container 1100, 1101 or dispenser 1200and medication from a second container. Many patients may get confusedand dispense them in the opposite quantities. With respect to dispenser1310, since medication is consumed by first removing container 1100 andthen removing cap 1108 to access the medication, they may accidentallyremove too many pills from the wrong vial if they remove two containers1100 at the same time.

As in container 10, the dispenser 1310 includes buttons 160, 162, 164and 166 that communicate information to the processor 1304. By pressingone of the buttons, the patient is able to send an electrical signal tothe processor 1304 in response to a question shown on the display 132 orto indicate an action to be taken, such as cancel an alert or alarm 134or 136.

Portable Medication Container

The following is a description of a portable container 1370 (See FIG.45) used in conjunction with container 1300. However, it should be notedthat portable container 1370 can be used with any of the previousembodiments.

Portable container 1370 is comprised of a hinged lid 1372 attached tobody 1374 by living hinge 1376. Lid 1372 is shown in a partially raisedposition. Lid includes a control system 1379 (See FIG. 49), similar tocontrol system 114 used by reminder 1114 and 1208. Also visible isdisplay 132, audible alert 134, button 160, infrared transmitter 140,and lid sensor 1377; each with similar purposes to those previouslydescribed, and all in communication with processor 1378 (See FIG. 49) asis memory 1389. Body 1374 has front wall 1380, rear wall 1381, and twoside walls 1382, and 1383, and a closed bottom 1384 defining compartment1386.

When lid 1372 is closed sensor 1377 is compressed indicting to processorthat container 1370 is sealed and when the lid is opened the sensor isin an extended position indicating to the processor the container hasbeen opened. Lid 1372 can have a locking assembly 1390, such as asolenoid, that can engage body 1372 to lock container 1370 closed.

Operation of the Tenth Embodiment with Portable Container AccessoryLoading Portable Container

A patient's prescription regimen may call for them to consume one ofmore medication 15 in the middle of the day, yet dispenser 1310 may toviewed as too large to be carried during the day. Portable container1370 is sized to be carried conveniently by and can be used to augmentdispenser 1310. In this case dispenser 1310 is used to determine whichmedications 15 are to be consumed at the next consumption time. Button160 or others are used to indicate to dispenser 1310 that medication 15for consumption at the next dosing time will be removed early. Dispenser1310 then determines which medication 15 is to be consumed next and atwhat time, for example 1:00 p.m. Dispenser 1300 then indicates to thepatient, as described above, the amount of medication 15 to be removedfrom a container 1100, 1101 attached to dispenser 1310 and the time themedication 15 is to be consumed. Medication 15 is removed as though itis to be consumed immediately, but instead it is placed in medicationcompartment 1386 of portable container 1370.

When all the medications 15 that are to be consumed at the nextconsumption time have been placed in portable container 1370, lid 1372can be closed. Processor 1378 now detecting via lid sensor 1377 that lid1372 has been closed. To further secure medication 15 in portablecontainer 1370 solenoid 1390 can be extended so as to lock lid 1372 tobody 1374. Finally, dispenser 1310 can transfer, using IR transmitter140, the time (e.g. 1:00 p.m.) medication 15 is to be consumed tocompatible IR receiver 140 of portable container 1370. Processor 1378receives the time and other pertinent information about the medications15 that have been removed from dispenser 1310.

Consumption Time Alerts

The dispenser 1310 marks the medication as consumed and when the nextdose of medication 15 that was just removed is due (1:00 p.m.),dispenser 1310 will skip or forego presenting an alert at that time. Ifan alert was presented, it would be interpreted as an alert to takeanother dose of the medication on top of the dose that had earlier beenremoved and placed in container 1370.

Processor 1378 activates alert device 134, 136, or 138 of portablecontainer 1370 when the transferred consumption time matches the currenttime from clock 145. When equipped with solenoid 1390, processor 1378can activate solenoid 1390 to retract it and unlock portable container1370. Other pertinent information about the medication can be presentedusing display 132 or audible alert 134. Lid 1372 of portable container1370 is opened and medication 15 is removed for consumption. When lid1372 is opened, the consumption indicator is triggered via lid sensor1377, which is communicated to processor 1378. Processor 1378 nowdetects that the lid is open, and deactivates the alert device 134, 136,or 138. Processor 1378 records the current time from clock 145 as theconsumption time in memory 125. When solenoid is not used and it is notyet time to consume the medication, an access alert can be presented bydevice 132, 134, 136, 138. It is also contemplated that sensor 1377 neednot be used. When a consumption alert is present to consume medication,button 160 of container 1370 can be pressed to cancel the alert andindicate to processor that medication 15 has been consumed. As before,button 160 can be pressed more than once to indicate to processor 1378that the alert should only be temporarily canceled.

Recording Consumption Information

Prior to the next time portable container 1370 is loaded with medication15 or any time portable container is placed close to dispenser 1310,processor 1378 can transfer the recorded consumption time using IRreceiver 140, now including a transmitter. Dispenser 1310 receives thetransferred consumption time and recording it in memory 60 of theappropriate vial 1102, memory 125 of the appropriate reminder unit 1114,or in memory 1306. The transferred consumption time can also be used tomodify the appropriate next consumption time for the consumedmedication, in the case the medication in container 1370 was consumedsubstantially before or after the originally transferred consumptiontime.

Using Alternate Containers

Instead of using portable container 1370, medication 15 removed fromdispenser 1310 can be placed in any container, pocket or purse. Thepatient is expected to remind himself of the time to consume themedication 15. When desired, the next consumption time (1:00 p.m.) canbe transferred to reminder device 290 to present an alert when it istime to consume the medication. The dispenser marks the medication asconsumed and when the next dose of medication 15 that was just removedis due (1:00 p.m.), dispenser 1310 will not present an alert. If analert was presented, it would be interpreted as an alert to take anotherdose of the medication on top of the dose that had earlier been removedand placed in container 1370.

As a convenience, at the next sequential medication 15 consumption time(the next dose after 1:00, for example 6:00 p.m.) dispenser 1310presents a question to the patient asking them if they consumed thepreviously removed medication and at what time. This information isrecorded in memory 60, 125, or 1306 as previously described.

Using Reminder Unit as a Portable Container

Finally, when the medication 15 to be consumed next is in container 1100or dispenser 1200, container 1100 or dispenser 1200 can be removed fromdispenser 1310. Reminder unit 1114 or 1208 will present an alert at thenext consumption time (1:00 p.m.). When container 1100 or dispenser 1200is used to remove medication 15 the consumption information is recordedin memory 60 or 125.

The dispenser 1310 will not present a consumption alert at the nextconsumption time (1:00 p.m.). If an alert was presented, it would beinterpreted as an alert to take another dose of the medication on top ofthe dose that had earlier been removed and placed in container 1370.When container 1100 or dispenser 1200 is mated with dispenser 1310,consumption information is transferred from memory 60, 125 to memory1306.

RFID Tag Use

It is also contemplated that interactive label 60 or 1106 can be in theform of a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag where contacts 62are replaced by an antenna. Sensors 1150, 1322 are now in the form of atleast one RF antenna. With an adequate power source and suitableantenna, dispenser 1300 can read the interactive label 50 of vials 1100within a distance of up to 10 feet. The vials are now associated withdispenser 1300. In this case, visual indicators 136 may no longer beappropriate, as they may not be able to indicate the position of aspecific vial 1100. Many aspects of the operation of dispenser below areretained, however to indicate that a specific medication has or has notbeen consumed button 160 or another consumption indicator is pressed inresponse to an alert presented using devices 132 or 134. Using display132, the dispenser can indicate which of several patients is beingalerted to consume medication.

FIG. 51 shows dispenser configured to use a medication container 10 withan interactive strip 60 or 1106 in the form of a RFID tag. In thisconfiguration, each container 10 is placed in a slot 1319 shown in theform of a blind well. FIG. 52 is a cross sectional view of dispenser1300. FIG. 52 shows a separate sensor 1150 positioned in the cylindricalwall 1324 for each slot 1319 and proximate to any container placed inslot 1319. Antenna 1150 is designed so that it can only read RFID tagswithin radius R1. This prevents one of the antennas 1150 from readingmemory strip 60 of an adjacent container 10 placed in the next slot 1319no matter the orientation of its RFID tag memory strip 60 or 1106. Nowdispenser 1300 can read information 80 for each container and associatethat information with a specific slot 1319 for alerting the patientwhich medication to consume. Although the containers 10 are shown placedin a slot 1319 of the console 1310, it should be understood that thecontainers and console could be brought together in any number of ways,such as simply placing the container in the near vicinity of the antenna1150.

A suitable radius R1 can be achieved by limiting the power to antenna1150 or by placing appropriate ground planes or other RF absorbingmaterial between the antenna 1150 of one slot 1319 and the next slot1319.

When separate antenna 1150 are not used, dispenser 1300 can beconfigured to use a single antenna 1150. When a medication container 10with an interactive strip 60 or 1106 in the form of a RFID tag isbrought near dispenser 1300, information 80 can be read by antenna 1150.By comparing information 80 such as the patient's name 84 with a patientname associated with dispenser 1300, it can be determined if dispenseris to use prescription information 82 to determine dosing times. Thiscan be done without container 10 being attached or affixed to dispenser1300. However, to more specifically associate medication containers 10with dispenser 1300 each slot 1319 can be configured with micro-switch1360 and distal micro-switch arm 1362 (see FIG. 52). As medicationcontainer 10 is brought near dispenser 1300 the single antenna 1150reads information 80 and as the container is placed in slot 1319 andmicroswitch arm 1362 is depressed closing microswitch 1360 indicating toprocessor 1304 into which slot the container has been placed. Whendispenser 1300 determines that a medication is to consumed it canindicate the specific slot 1319 the corresponding medication containerhas been placed.

FIG. 53 shows container 1100 where sensor 1150 is now configured as aRFID tag reader and memory strip 60 is a RFID tag. The sensor isdesigned to limit its ability to read RFID tags beyond radius R2. Thisprevents reminder unit 1114 from accidentally reading information 80 ofan adjacent container 1101 and using that information to determine thedosing regimen for the medication to which the reminder 1114 isattached.

Medication Consumption and Time Recording

FIGS. 54, 55, and 56 show several time lines that can be used todetermine when a patient is to consume a medication. Time line 1500 ofFIG. 54 shows hours of the day over a couple of days. A series ofpredetermined times 1502, 1502′ and 1502″ are the times of the day whenone or more of the communication devices 132-138 or 542-544 are to beactivated to notify the patient to consume a medication. Although thepredetermined times 1502, 1502′ and 1502″ are shown to be at evenlyspaced intervals of time apart from each other, it should be understoodthat the dosing regimen could specify increasing, decreasing orfluctuating time intervals. Associated with each predetermined time 1502is a window of time or total time range 1504. This window of time 1504includes a time range 1506 before predetermined time 1502 and a timerange 1508 after predetermined time 1502, during which the medicationcan be safely consumed. When the patient consumes the medication withintime range 1506 the consumption alert that normally would be presentedto the patient at predetermined time 1502 will not be presented as thepatient has consumed this dose of medication. When the patient consumesthe medication within time range 1508, the consumption alert that hasbeen presented by communication device 132-138 or 542-544 atpredetermined time 1502 will be canceled. Likewise, when the actual timeinformation obtained from the clock 145 passes time range 1508, theconsumption alert presented by the communication device 132-138 or542-544 will be canceled, indicating the medication is no longer to beconsumed until the time range 1504 of the next predetermined time 1502′.

The patient consumes several doses of medication in a series of actualconsumption times 1510, 1510′ and 1510″, which are recorded in memory60, 1384, or 1408. Time range 1512, shown as a shaded block, representsthe times of the day when the patient is not to consume the medicationeither because it is too close to the last time the medication wasconsumed or because it is too close to the next predetermined time 1502′or 1502″. Any attempt to consume medication during time range 1512 willcause the communication device 132-138 or 542-544 to indicate that it isnot appropriate to consume medication at this time. Medicationinformation 84 or 1430 can include dosing regimen information withvariables that will modify the predetermined times 1502, 1502′, 1502″when a dose is skipped, taken early or late. These variables will alsomodify the predetermined times 1502, 1502′, 1502″ based upon mealschedules.

FIG. 55 shows an alternate method of determining the time schedule forconsuming medication. Instead of being based on a set predetermined timeof day, the time schedule is based on elapsed time. In this method, thenext scheduled time 1502′ to take a dose of medication is coupled to theactual consumption time of the previous dose 1502 of medication.Similarly, each subsequent scheduled time 1502″ to take a dose ofmedication is coupled to the actual consumption times of the previousdoses 1502 and 1502′.

FIG. 56 shows yet another alternate method of determining the timeschedule to consume doses of medication. This alternate method againuses elapsed time instead of a set time of day. In this method, thesubsequent predetermined time to consume medication 1502′ and 1502″ isin a fixed interval of time relative to the immediately precedingpredetermined time 1502 or 1502′.

When medication is consumed, an actual consumption time entry can bewritten to Medication Consumption Table 1520 in memory 60, 1384, or1408. The actual consumption time entry can be in the form of a time ofday or elapsed time since the previous actual consumption time entry.When container 1300 or medication system 1400 (see below) is used, theactual consumption time is written in a portion of table 1520 reservedfor the specific medication 1424 that was consumed.

Medication System

The following is a description of a medication system 1400 (See FIG. 46)used in conjunction with container 1300. However, it should be notedthat medication system can be used with any of the previous embodiments.

Medication system 1400 consists of a processor 1402 in communicationwith a database or memory 1408, and communications equipment such asmodem or Ethernet transceiver 1406 or a radio frequency (RF) transceiverand antenna 1404. Modem 1406 is used to receive and send information vianetwork 1410, such as a telephone system or the conventional Internetcommunications system, to dispensers 1310 when equipped with modem 1350and cable 1352. RF transceiver 1404 is used to send and receiveinformation from dispenser 1310 when it is equipped with RF pagingreceiver 1343. Medication system 1400 is associated with a pharmacy or ahealthcare giver.

Medication system 1400 also communicates with containers 800, 860, 900when equipped with a compatible RF paging receiver 843, 893, 993including a transmitter. Dispensers 800, 860, and 900 are also equippedwith modem 1350 to communicate with medication system 1400.

Container 1300 can have pharmacy identification information 1440 (SeeFIG. 50) stored in memory 1306. Information 1440 can include pharmacyname 1442 and pharmacy telephone number of Internet address 1444 used tocontact a specific pharmacy medication system 1400 using network 1410 totransfer consumption information, requests to refill specific amedication 15 in a container 1100 or 1200, and to allow otherinformation to either be sent to or received from medication system1400. Alternately, the pharmacy telephone or Internet address part ofmedication information 84 in memory strip 60 of container 1100, 1101 ordispenser 1200 can be used by dispenser 1310 to contact medicationsystem 1400.

Transferring Information

FIG. 47 is the patient information 1420 contents of a section of memory1408. This section includes many of the fields previously seen inmedication information 84, but now the fields have been collected forall the medications a single patient has been prescribed to consume. Thetelephone number or the e-mail address 1422 of a healthcare giverresponsible for the patient is used to contact the healthcare giver incase the patient misses one or more doses of a medication so that thecare giver can be warned to take an appropriate action. Medicationinformation section 1424 includes compliance data and quantity remainingfields are used to replace or eliminate the same fields in medicationinformation 84. As medication is consumed using dispenser 1310consumption information is communicated using modem 1350 or RFtransceiver 1343 to medication system 1400 with the patient name orother patient identifier and the medication name from medicationinformation 84 of memory 60. The consumption information is added to themedication information section 1424 for the specified patient and themedication.

Using a similar process as medication is consumed the amount removedfrom dispenser 1310 is transmitted to medication system 1400 and used toadjust the quantity remaining field of medication information section1424 for a specific patient and medication.

Medication system 1400 uses network 1410 to contact a healthcare giverby activating terminal 1415, such as a telephone via a computergenerated voice or a computer terminal via an e-mail message. Thehealthcare giver telephone number or e-mail address 1422 that is part ofpatient information 1420 or medication information 80 in memory 60, canbe used by medication system 1400 to transmit to the healthcare giverconsumption information for a patient or the fact that a consumptiontime was not accompanied by medication being removed from container1300.

Questionnaires

Questionnaire section 1426 includes questions to be posed to the patientusing display 132 relative the consumption of medication. Questionnairesection 1426 can be sent to dispenser 1310 using modem after a specificpatient name or other unique patient identification is sent from thedispenser or container to the medication systems 1400. The questions canbe used as part of a clinical trial for new drug or other therapy. Thequestionnaire section 1426 can include questions that are posed to thepatient in relationship to when medication is consumed. The relationshipto medication consumption can be a time period after or before themedication is consumed and the question is to be asked. For example, 2hours after a medication is consumed the patient is asked if they aredizzy. Depending on the response additional questions can be posed tothe patient.

Other questions can be related to the consumption of an individualmedication. It is contemplated that the questions will be modifiedheuristically so that a response to the question “How do you feel?”which is “I feel dizzy” can result in one of the next questions to bephrased as “Are you still dizzy?”.

The contents of questionnaire section 1426 can alternately be includedin medication information 86 of memory 60, but in this case limited toquestions for the medication in a specific container 1100, 1101 ordispenser 1200. The responses to the questionnaire can also be recordedto dispenser 1300 or 1400.

Determining Contraindicated Medication

FIG. 48 is the specific medication information 1430 contents of memory1408. This section includes many of the fields previously seen inmedication information 84 and program codes 86. The medicationinformation 1430 can be sent to dispenser 1300 via network 1410 or RFtransceiver 1404 in lieu of storing this information in memory 60. Themedication information 1430 for a specific medication is transmittedwhen dispenser 1400 transmits to medication system 1400 the medicationname 84 of a medication 15 used with the dispenser or container. Uponreceiving the medication names for each medication, medication system1400 can use the program codes in medication information 1430 todetermine if any are contraindicated for use with another medication 15and then medication systems 1400 can send to dispenser 1310 a messagealerting the patient to this dangerous condition, protecting the fromsuch dangerous conditions. Furthermore, an alert can be sent by an audiomessage via telephone or a text e-mail message via the network 1410 to ahealthcare giver terminal 1415.

Alternately, the list of contraindications for each medication (part ofspecific medication information 1430) in a container 1100, 1101 or 1200can be received by modem 1350 or RF receiver 1343 from memory 1408 ofmedication system 1400. To receive contraindications, 1430 processor1304 sends the medication name 84 or other identifying information foreach medication 15 used with dispenser 1310 to processor 1402. Processor1402 in turn retrieves the specific medication information 1430 frommemory 1408 and sends it back to processor 1304. Processor 1304 willthen determine if any medication mated to dispenser 1310 iscontraindicated for use with another medication mated to dispenser 1310.

Transferring Medical Measurement Data

Dispenser 1310 is used to transfer information from other medicaldevices to medication system 1400. Dispenser 1310 is used to request amedical device (not shown) be used to measure a medical parameter, forexample blood pressure, insulin levels, or blood clotting times. Thisrequest can be related to questionnaire 1426. The medical device aftermaking a measurement can transmit the measurement via an infraredtransmitter to IR receiver 140. The dispenser 1310 is also used to sendmeasurements that are not related to a questionnaire via dispenser 1310to medication system 1400. Medical measurements are also entered usingbutton 160 or others, or dispenser 1310 can include the medical deviceusing processor 1304 to operate it.

Modifying Medication Dosing Regimen

A healthcare giver can determine that a patient's condition has changeddue to a current evaluation of the patient or in response to a medicalmeasurement transferred to medication system 1400 from dispenser 1310.The healthcare giver can use terminal 1415 to send new prescriptioninformation 82 for one or more medications 15 that is in a container1100, 1101, or dispenser 1200 mated to dispenser 1310. The newprescription information 82 for a specific medication 15 is firsttransferred to medication system 1400 identifying a specific patientname 84 or other identifier. Medication system 1400 then transfers thenew prescription information 82 to dispenser 1310 using network 1410.Dispenser 1310, after receiving new prescription information 82, canrecord it to memory 1306, or to memory 60 of the appropriate interactivelabel 1106, 50 related to the specific medication 15. Alternately, thehealthcare giver can transfer the new prescription information 82directly to dispenser 1310 vial network 1410.

It is contemplated that either medication system 1400 or dispenser 1310,in response to the entry of a medical measurement, uses specialinstructions for consuming medication 84 to alter the prescriptioninformation 82 for a specific medication 15. The altered prescriptioninformation 84 is written to memory 1306 or 60 of the container 1100,1202 of the specific medication 15. For example, Coumadin is apharmaceutical that increases the clotting time for blood. If ameasurement of clotting time is entered or transferred to dispenser 1310indicating that clotting time has increased beyond an acceptable levelsince a previous reading, the number of pills to be consumed per dosing82 for Coumadin can be reduced.

Reordering Medication

As a convenience, dispenser 1310 automatically determines whenmedication 15 is to be reordered to ensure a timely resupply. To reordera medication 15, dispenser 1310 or medication system 1400 uses specificmedication information 1430 including medication type information andreorder information 1432. The reorder information 1432 is displayed viaa communication device such as an LED display and includes a reorderindicator 1434 that identifies the medication vials or containerscontaining medication that can be reordered, how long the medication canbe reordered, the reorder quantity level or amount without additionalphysician reauthorization 1436, and the reorder quantity level withphysician reauthorization 1438. Typically, quantity level 1438 isgreater than or equal to quantity level 1436, acknowledging the practicethat it takes longer to reorder a medication that must first include aphysician reauthorization than one that does not.

While reorder information 1432 is shown as part of memory 1408 to bedownloaded to dispenser 1310 via network 1410, it should be understoodthat reorder information 1432 can be part of medication information 84and stored in memory 60. In the description of reordering medicationdispenser 1310 will be used to determine when a medication is to bereordered, but medication system 1400 can be used to do this.

As medication 15 is consumed, dispenser 1310 alters the quantity ofmedication remaining 84 in container 1100, 1202 as recorded in memory60, 1306, and 1408 for each medication 15. As the quantity of medication84 is altered, reorder indicator 1434 is checked to determine if thismedication 15 can be reordered. If the medication cannot be reordered noadditional tests need to be made. If the medication can be reordered butonly with the reauthorization of a physician (typically set due by thenumber of refills previously authorized or by a specific date), thequantity of medication remaining 84 is compared with quantity level1348. If the quantity remaining is less that quantity level 1438,dispenser 1310 can present a message on display 132 indicating that amedication is low and that to refill this medication requires extra timedue to the need to contact the physician for reauthorization. Button 160or others can be used to indicate that medication 15 is to be reordered.Dispenser then sends a message to medication system 1400 or to terminal1415 indicating that a reorder of medication 15 is desired and that thephysician is to be contacted to obtain a reauthorization prior to thepharmacy refilling the medication. The physician is then contactedeither by dispenser 1310, medication system 1400 (for example by securee-mail), or by staff working with medication system 1400 (for example bytelephone). The pharmacy, upon receiving the physician's reauthorizationthe medication 15, fills a new container 1100 or cartridge 1202 withmedication 15 for delivery to or pick up by the patient.

When medication 15 can be reordered without the reauthorization of aphysician, the quantity of medication remaining 84 is compared withquantity level 1346. If the quantity remaining is less than quantitylevel 1436, dispenser 1310 can present a message on display 132indicating that a medication is low and that that the medication can bereordered. Button 160 or others can be used to indicate that medication15 is to be reordered. Dispenser then sends a message to medicationsystem 1400 reorder of medication 15 is desired. The pharmacy iscontacted by medication system 1400 (for example by e-mail) indicatingthat medication 15 is to be refilled for the patient. The pharmacy thenfills a new container 1100 or cartridge 1202 with medication 15 fordelivery to or pick up by the patient.

It is anticipated that dispenser 1310 uses information about weekendsand holidays to anticipate when the quantity of medication remaining 84will be less than or equal to quantity level 1436, 1438 during a weekendor holiday, when the physician may not be available or the pharmacyclosed. Dispenser 1310 indicates that a refill is needed one or moredays earlier than quantity of medication remaining 84 reaching quantitylevel 1436, 1438.

The pharmacy telephone or Internet address 84 of memory 60 attached tocontainer 1100 or cartridge 1202 is used by dispenser 1310 to reordermedication 15. It is anticipated that the pharmacy may also operatemedication system 1400. It is further anticipated that dispenser 1310and memory 1306 may store a second pharmacy telephone number 84 orInternet address 84. The dispenser may ignore the first pharmacytelephone number 84 stored in memory 60 and use the second pharmacytelephone number stored of the in memory 1306. Any medication 15initially filled by first pharmacy and stored in dispenser memory 1306,will only be reordered by dispenser 1310 through the second pharmacy.

It is also contemplated that when medication system 1400 maintains thequantity of medication remaining 84 in memory 1408, that medicationsystem can determine when a medication is to be reordered using reorderinformation 1432.

Using a Medication Serial Number

Interactive label 60 or 1106 can be in the form of a bar code 960 or1134. The contents 80 of the bar code can be a unique medication serialnumber 80 or other unique identifier describing the medication, as shownin FIG. 58, for each medication container 20 dispensed by the pharmacy.When communication is established between dispenser 1300 and medicationsystem 1400, the medication serial number is transferred from theinteractive label 60 of container 1101 by to medication system 1400.Medication system 1400 uses the serial number to access a medicationdata field 1420 in memory 1408. Data field 1420 can have patientidentification information 1428, such as their name, phone number, age,sex, and other relevant data. Data field 1420 can also store medicationinformation 1424, which is transmitted from medication system 1400 todispenser 1300 and then used by dispenser 1300 to determine when thepatient is to be alerted to consume the medication. As needed all of themedication information for each patient's prescriptions can beconsolidated into a single data field 1420.

Using a serial number allows a simple bar code or other read onlyinteractive label to be used with dispenser 1300 to control medicationdosing alerts when a medication system 1400 is available to provide theprescription information 82 and as desired medication information 84,program codes 86, and specific medication information 1430. Medicationinformation 1424 can be transferred when medication container 1101 isfirst attached to dispenser 1300 or each time container 1101 is attachedto dispenser.

It should also be understood that the invention as a whole may beembodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit orcentral characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodimentsthereof are to be considered in all aspects as illustrative and notrestrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details givenherein. It will be understood by those of skill in the art that variouschanges may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departingfrom the broader aspects of the invention. Specifically, while theinvention has been shown and described as including a vial, blister packor cassette container or aerosol dispenser, it should be understood thatother forms of containers could be used with equal effectiveness. Forexample, the container could be a tray or a cassette that does notinclude a cap, cover or lid. The memory device or memory strip couldalso communicate with the processor of the container via RF technology.It should therefore be understood that the container can take on avariety of shapes and forms without departing from the broad aspects ofthe invention.

Although the above mentioned interactive medication containers 10, 200,300, 500, 800, 850, 900, 1100, 1101, 1200, 1300 and 1370 have beengenerally shown and described as having computer processors 120, 530,1304 and 1378, memory devices 125, 1306, and 1389, sensors 115, 826,847, 876, 897, 940, 997, 1150, 1160, 1247, 1322 and 1377, communicationdevices 132-140, 525, 528, 542 and 544, timing device 145, access,removal and consumption indicators (e.g., buttons 160-166), as well asother components, being in electrical communication with each other andphysically located on or within the housing, or otherwise integral withthe container, console, unitary lid or dispenser, it should beunderstood that certain components could be physically separated fromthe container or its housing or their associated reminder unit 1114 or1208 without departing from the broad aspect of the invention. Forexample, the communication device 132 could be a wall mounted displaythat is in infrared or radio frequency communication with theinteractive medication container.

Eleventh Embodiment

Much of the construction and operation of the eleventh embodiment issimilar in construction and operation to many of the embodimentsdescribed above. For this reason only the distinctions between theeleventh embodiment and the previous embodiments will be described herein detail. In addition, many of the features described below withrespect to this eleventh embodiment are applicable to the previousembodiments. In FIGS. 59 and 60 elements that are similar to elementsdescribed in the previous embodiments are similarly numbered.

Referring to FIGS. 59 and 60, the eleventh embodiment includes amedication organizing system 1300 for interacting with containers suchas containers 10 and 1100, one or more dispensers 1200 (see also FIGS.40 and 41), one or more blister packs 400 (see FIG. 18) or any othersuitable container having a readable identification or information tag.For instance, other containers that may be used with system 1300 thatare not illustrated in the present specification include boxes, tubes,syringes, bottles, etc. For purposes of brevity, most of the followingdescription will only describe use of container 10 with organizingsystem 1300 unless an aspect unrelated to container 10 is beingdescribed.

System 1300 defines an essentially flat plate 1370 for supportingcontainers 10 for sensing purposes. To this end, among other advantagesassociated with a flat sensor, it has been recognized that a flat sensorenables use of essentially any type of container without requiring aspecifically configured receiving ring or other mechanical restrictionfor aligning memories and sensors.

Physical Elements of the Eleventh Embodiment

FIG. 59 illustrates medication-organizing system 1300 including aninterface 1310, a sensor pad 1370 and variously configured containers 10and 1100. Interface 1310 includes, among other things, a display 132, aninfrared transmitter 140, an interaction button 160 and a femalereceiving recess (not separately numbered) for linking interface 1310via a cable 1580 to sensor pad 1370. Referring also to FIG. 28, like theother embodiments described above, interface 1310 also includes aprocessor 1378, a memory 1389, a clock 145, some type of power source(e.g., a battery 150), an alarm 134 and may include other features asillustrated. In addition, although not illustrated, interface 1310 mayalso be linked to a computer network such as the Internet for remotecommunication with a server or the like.

Pad 1370, as illustrated, is an essentially flat pad including a topsurface 1583, a female receiving recess (not separately numbered) forreceiving cable 1580 and indicators or aligners 1375, 1376 and 1377.Surface 1583 defines a sensing area or volume adjacent thereto. In theillustrated embodiment, because surface 1583 faces upward, the sensingarea is above surface 1583. Surface 1583 may also be provided with someindicia indicating where on the surface 1583 medication containers(e.g., 10) should be placed so that the container memories can be read.For example, in FIG. 59 three indicia are indicated by circularindicators 1371, 1372 and 1373. Indicia 1371, 1372 and 1373 may beeither mechanical (e.g., slight indentations or recesses), visual suchas sections of surface 1583 that have a different color than the otherparts of surface 1583, or a mechanical and visual combination (e.g., arecess including a disparate color).

In one embodiment plate 1370 includes a separate sensor corresponding toand positioned below each of indicia 1371, 1372 and 1373, respectively,for a total of three separate sensors so that the surface of plate 1370includes sensing sections adjacent indicia 1371, 1372 and 1373 andnon-sensing sections laterally disposed from indicia 1371, 1372 and1373. Referring also to FIG. 52, each of the plate 1370 sensors definesa limited sensing area or volume having a sensing radius (e.g., R1) sothat the sensor can only sense a memory attached to a vial placedadjacent the indicia (e.g., indicia 1371). Thus, each separate sensordefines a separate sensing area above a corresponding indicator for atotal of three sensing areas so that three separate memories can be readand correlated with specific locations (e.g., indicia 1371) andcorresponding indicators (e.g., 1375) on plate 1370.

In one embodiment indicia 1371, 1372 and 1373 have shapes that areessentially identical to the shapes of the surfaces of the containersthat are likely to be used with pad 1370. For example, as illustrated,circular indicia 1371 essentially mirrors or matches the shape and, isslightly larger in size than, the undersurface of container 10 therebyguiding a system user to place container 10 on surface 1583 for properreading of the label.

While surface 1583 is illustrated as including placement indicia (e.g.,1371), it should be appreciated that, in at least one embodiment of theinvention, such placement indicia is not required. For example, sensorpad 1370 may include a sensor that is capable of sensing informationfrom any container placed within the sensing area defined by the pad(e.g., above pad 1370 in FIG. 59). In addition, it should be appreciatedthat, while the indicia 1371 may indicate a specific shape correspondingto the most likely shape (e.g., circular in the case of a vial) of arelated container surface, other containers that do not have the mostlikely surface may still be used with pad 1370. For example, in the caseof the illustrated pad having circular indicia 1371, pad 1371 may stillbe used with a blister pack (e.g., see FIG. 18) that is equipped with anappropriate tag (e.g., an RFID tag where an RF sensor is employed withinpad 1370). In the case of a blister pack, while the entire pack likelywill not fit within the indicia, an indicator may be provided on theexterior of the pack that instructs the pack user to position the tagadjacent the indicia and hence adjacent the RF sensor there below. Otherembodiments of the invention where a sensor pad is capable of sensingwithin a large area are described in more detail below.

In one embodiment pad 1370 comprises an RFID sensor including one ormore RF transmitters and receivers. In this embodiment pad 1370 it iscontemplated that pad 1370 would be capable of sensing any suitablyconstructed memory device placed within the sensing area. For example,if the sensing area is defined as immediately adjacent surface 1583, pad1370 is capable of sensing any device on a container surface immediatelyadjacent surface 1583 (e.g., likely a memory device in the form of anRFID tag on an undersurface of a container). Similarly, if pad 1370includes a relatively more powerful transmitter and more sensitivereceiver, the sensing area may extend above surface 1583 so as to definea volume (e.g., extending above surface 1583 with a radius of 2 to 4inches—see FIG. 52 in this regard) so that even memory devices onlateral sides or top surfaces of containers could be interrogated.

Referring still to FIG. 59, indicators 1375, 1376 and 1377 are providedadjacent indicia 1371, 1372 and 1373, respectively. Each indicator(e.g., 1375) may be either audible or visual or both. For the purposesof this invention it will be assumed the indicators are visual such asLEDs or the like.

Container 1100 is similar to the container illustrated in FIG. 36including reminder unit 1114 securable to container 1102. Unit 1114includes interactive label 1106 near the bottom thereof such that, whencontainer 1100 is placed on surface 1583, the transmitter within pad1370 can interact with label 1106 and either receive informationtherefrom or, in some embodiments, write information thereto.

Container 10 is similar to the container illustrated in FIG. 2 includingat least a readable and, perhaps a readable/writable interactive label50 that in turn includes a memory device or strip 60. Again, thetransmitter and receiver within pad 1370 are constructed such that whencontainer 10 is placed on surface 1583, the sensing area or volumeincludes the space in which device 760 resides. In this manner theinformation stored in device 60 can be read and, in some cases, newinformation can be written to device 60, via pad 1370.

Referring to FIG. 60 there are illustrated two other embodiments ofcontainers identified by numerals 1600 and 1700, respectively. Container1600 includes a cylindrical wall 22 and a cap 1108 that securely locksthereto. In addition a print label 1136 is provided around the lateralwall 22 and an RFID tag or memory device 60 is provided on anundersurface 1602 of vial 20. Referring also to FIG. 59, when container1600 is placed so that surface 1602 rests on surface 1583, tag 60 isadjacent surface 1583 and pad 1370 may be designed such that the sensingarea is proximate surface 1583.

Referring still to FIG. 60, container 1700 includes a square box 1704with a print label 1136 on lateral surfaces and an RFID tag or memorydevice 60 on an undersurface 1702. Once again, with this embodiment ofthe container, when container 1700 is placed so that surface 1702 restson surface 1583, tag 60 is adjacent surface 1583 and pad 1370 may bedesigned such that the sensing area is proximate surface 1583.

In operation, referring to FIGS. 59 and 60, assuming indicia 1371, 1372and 1373 are provided on surface 1583, upon a system user receiving amedication in a tagged container e.g., 10, the user places the container10 on one of the indicia 1373.

Referring also to FIG. 28, processor 1378 (not illustrated in FIG. 59)within interface 1310 is programmed to periodically pole pad 1370 todetermine if any containers have been placed on surface 1583. Forexample, processor 1378 may pole pad 1370 every second or everyhalf-second. Therefore, when container 10 is placed on indicia 1373, pad1370 essentially immediately determines that a container has been placedon surface 1583. After determining that a container has been placed onsurface 1583 processor 1378 interrogates the container tag (e.g., 60) toretrieve at least some information therefrom.

Next, processor 1378 may perform any of several different functionsdescribed above, depending on how processor 1378 has been programmed.For example, where the retrieved information indicates a “new” containeror medication that has never been on pad 1370 before, processor 1378 mayretrieve information from which a dosing regimen can be derived andthereafter may provide an alarm each time the medication should beconsumed. The information to derive the consumption regimen may beeither completely obtained from the vial memory or, in the alternative,may be retrieved from some other source as a function of informationtaken from the vial memory. For instance, specifying information readfrom the vial memory may include a serial number and processor 1378 maybe linkable to a memory device (not illustrated) that correlates serialnumbers with prescribed dosing regimens. In this case processor 1378identifies the dosing regimen by correlating the serial number and theregimen.

The alarming may include, at a predetermined consumption time, providinga consumption indication via display 132 that prompts a system user toplace container 10 back on surface 1583 to confirm that the medicationwithin container 10 is to be consumed. In the alternative, wherecontainer 10 remains on surface 1583, the alarming may include anindication via an indicator light 1377 that the medication within thecontainer associated with indicia 1373 should be consumed. Many otheralarming routines including those described above in regard to otherembodiments are contemplated.

In addition to the alarming features, system 1300 in FIG. 59 may alsotrack medication consumption in any of several different ways such as,after an indication that medication should be consumed and afterplacement and removal of a container 10 on pad 1370, assuming thatmedication has been consumed and updating a remaining quantity counterin either a label memory device (e.g., 60), an interface memory (e.g.,1389 in FIG. 28) or some remote memory such as an Internet linked servermemory. The updating process may also include noting the consumptiondates and times and so on.

Moreover, other health safety functions may also be performed byprocessor 1378 that are based at least in part on information retrievedfrom the readable and/or writable container memory device 60. Forinstance, upon a user indicating that a medication is going to be takenby placing the medication container (e.g., 1600) on surface 1583,processor 1378 may be programmed to indicate when the user is attemptingto take the medication to early according to the regimen. The earlyconsumption indication may comprise an audible alarm with a message viadisplay 132 including a blinking indicator (e.g., 1377) or some othersuitable indication. If the user indicates consumption despite thewarning, processor 1378 may record the ill-advised consumption in amemory and/or may revise the regimen going forward, based on the changein consumption pattern. For instance, if a medication prescription callsfor a medication to be consumed at 2 AM followed by 5 AM and 8 AM andthe medication is actually initially consumed at 10 PM, the system mayrevise the final two consumption times to be 12 PM and 2 AM,respectively, to maintain the temporal relationship between consumptiontimes.

In addition, if medication is consumed to early processor 1378 may beprogrammed to skip indicating consumption at the regimented time. Forinstance, if a medication were to be consumed at 11 AM but was consumedat 10 AM, the processor would not indicate required consumption at 12 AMas such a medication schedule could result in an overdose.

Moreover, where more than one system user may use system 1300, processor1378 may be programmed to, along with indicating that a medication is tobe consumed, also indicate which of several system users is to consumethe medication. For example, where a husband and wife are users A and B,respectively, and both use system 1300, processor 1378 may be programmedto indicate via display 132 which of users A and B should consume amedication at a regimented time. In this case it is contemplated thatthe machine-readable information on each vial memory would include sometype of medication user identifier (e.g., name, unique user number,etc.) useable by processor 1378 to correlate prescription informationwith medication user.

Furthermore, where more than one user uses system 1300 processor 1378may be programmed to pose a question to a user via display 132 such as“For which of users A or B would you like to see the medications to takeat this time?”. By selecting one of users A or B a user would then causeprocessor 1378 to identify the regimen for the selected user and provideindications of which medications should be consumed either at thecurrent time or from that time forward.

In addition, processor 1378 may have access to other system userinformation in memory 1389 (see FIG. 28) or in some other network linkedand remotely located memory (e.g., a storage area network (SAN)) whichmay be used to check for contraindications (i.e., indicators related toother medications that may indicate some relationship between a specificmedication and some other medication the patient is currently consuming,exemplary medication relationships being that the medications should notbe taken together, that the medications should be taken in some sequenceor in some temporal relationship or with food, etc.) or allergies. Theallergy information or contraindication information may be retrievedfrom the remote memory for consideration or may be remotely manipulatedby a remote server. If a contraindication or allergy is identifiedprocessor 1378 may be programmed to indicate via an alarm or warningindicator.

In addition, processor 1378 may be programmed to make sure that, ifmedications have been paired, the paired medications are both tracked bysystem 1300. For example, some medications are prescribed as having tobe taken together. If the information on a tag 60 indicates that firstand second medications must be taken together, processor 1378 mayrequire pairing of the medications and may alarm if such pairing is notevident. To this end processor 1378 may indicate a pairing requirementvia interface 1310 and may require that each of two paired medicationvials be placed on plate 1370 prior to indicating that the medicationsshould be consumed. For instance, after a first of the paired medicationvials is placed on indicia 1371 and is sensed, processor 1378 mayindicate that the second of the paired medication vials should be placedon one of the other indicia 1372 or 1373. Upon placing the second of thevials on one of the other indicia and after sensing the second vial andconfirming that the second vial corresponds to the paired medication an“OK to consume” or other suitable message may be provided to the uservia display 132.

In addition, processor 1378 may be programmed to present messages to asystem user based on the type of medication in a container. Forinstance, where a medication is manufactured by a specific company, theinformation retrieved from a tag 60 may specify a message to bedisplayed via display 132 related to the manufacturing company. Whereinterface 1310 is linked to the Internet an exemplary message may ask ifthe system user wants more information regarding the medicationmanufacturer or the medication which, when answered in the affirmative,hyperlinks to a web site providing the requested information via display132 or some other device (e.g., a palm computer, a PC, a network device,etc.) associated with the system user.

In addition, processor 1378 may be programmed to provide specificquestions regarding symptoms either before or after a medication isconsumed and may track the answers. An exemplary question may inquireregarding dizziness one hour after medication consumption. Based uponquestionnaire answers processor 1378 may either send information to aprescribing physician or may modify dosing regimen for the system useror both.

In addition, processor 1378 may be programmed to recognize when twomedications are to be consumed within a relatively short period and maythen provide a single alert indicating one time to consume bothmedications. To this end, refer now to FIG. 63, first and second timelines 1500 and 1500 a schematically identify when a system user is toconsume medications A and B, respectively. Medication A is to beconsumed at predetermined time 1502 and medication B is to be consumedat predetermined time 1502 a. Thus, times 1502 and 1502 a correspond totimes when one or more of the communication devices (e.g., display 132in FIG. 59) are to be activated to notify the system user to consumemedication.

Associated with predetermined time 1502 is a window of time or totaltime range 1504 that includes a time range 1506 before predeterminedtime 1502 and a time range 1508 after predetermined time 1502 duringwhich medication A can be safely consumed. Similarly, associated withpredetermined time 1502 a is a window of time or total time range 1504 athat includes a time range 1506 a before predetermined time 1502 a and atime range 1508 a after predetermined time 1502 a, during whichmedication B can be safely consumed.

When consumption times 1502 and 1502 a are close together (e.g. 30minutes) it may be undesirable to alert the system user once to consumemedication A and then shortly thereafter alert the system user toconsume medication B. Instead, medication information provided on a tag(e.g., 60) or accessible by medication organizing system 1300 caninclude consumption regimen information with variables that modifypredetermined times 1502 and 1502 a so that one alert is presented at atime 1502 b when it is safe to consume both medications as shown on timeline 1500 b. Modified time ranges 1506 b and 1508 b can also bedetermined as appropriate. This process of consolidating alerts can beperformed any time two or more medications are to be consumed within ashort period.

In addition, processor 1378 may be programmed to automatically cause arefill order to be generated when the quantity of a refillablemedication is nearly gone, may check the date on which a prescriptionwas filled to make sure the medication is fresh or check if medicationhas been recalled prior to issuing a consumption alert.

Moreover, processor 1378 may be programmed to update a prescription froma physician. For example, if system 1300 is linked to a physician'scomputer via the Internet and a patient indicates dizziness one hourafter medication consumption the physician may receive an e-mailindicating dizziness. In response to the e-mail the physician may send,via the Internet, an updated prescription to modify the dosing regimen.For instance, the physician may affirmatively reduce the consumptiondoses or may alter the regimen so that the periods between medicationdoses are longer.

In addition, processor 1378 may be programmed to develop a comprehensivemedication consumption page for review by either the system user or aphysician. To this end referring to FIG. 69, an exemplary simpleconsumption screen shot, display view or page 1800 is illustrated forthree medications A, B and C. It is assumed that two tablets ofmedications A are to be taken every 4 hours beginning at time 10 AM,while two tablets or each of medications B and C are to be taken every 8hours beginning at 10 AM.

The consumption page includes a graph having vertical and horizontalaxes that indicate consumption quantity and time, respectively. Thereare three horizontal axis, a separate one of the axis corresponding toeach of medications A, B and C where each of the horizontal axis havethe same time divisions.

In the case of FIG. 69 it is assumed that a system user is to take eachof medications A, B and C at the times specified above, that each of themedications has been provided within a unique container (e.g., 10 inFIG. 59) including an RFID tag 60 indicating the medication regimens,that each of the containers 10 has been placed on surface 1583 such thatinformation from the tags has been read therefrom, that the regimenshave been used to alert the user regarding consumption and that the userattempted to follow the regimens precisely.

On page 1800 there are several different indication types indicating howwell the system user has followed the prescribed regiments as well asthe occurrence of several other functions supportable by processor 1378.For example, bars collectively identified by numeral 1802 having a firstappearance indicate consumption at a time specified by a regimen. Thus,at each of 10 AM, 2 PM and 6 PM on the day illustrated, two tablets ofmedication A were consumed as prescribed by the regimen. Similarindications are provided for various times regarding medications B andC.

Similarly, bar 1804 indicates that at 10 PM two tablets of medication Awere supposed to be consumed but were not. Bar 1804 has an appearancethat is different than bar 1802 so that the missed medication is clearlyidentified.

Bar 1806 includes a bottom portion that resembles bar 1802 and a topportion that resembles bar 1804 indicating that while two tables ofmedication A were to have been consumed according to the regimen, onlyone tablet was actually consumed at 2 AM. In this example it is assumedthat there is some way to determine either manually or automaticallythat less than two tablets of medication were actually taken. Forexample, referring again to FIGS. 28 and 59, processor 1378 may beprogrammed to recognize activation of button 160 as an indication oftablets consumed. For instance two activations may indicate consumptionof two tablets while a single activation may indicate consumption of onetablet. Other indicating mechanism methods and apparatus arecontemplated.

With respect to automatically determining the number of tablets consumedthe container 10 may be provided with some means of determining how manytablets remain in the container after some have been removed. In thiscase it would be assumed that all of the tablets removed were consumedat the time of removal.

As another example of a container that can be used to determine thenumber of tablets consumed refer now to FIG. 61 where a blister packcontainer 400 is illustrated. Pack 400 includes a back sheet 420, alabel 450 having an RFID tag 1570 and electrical runs collectivelyidentified by numerals 1572 and 1573. Sheet 420 defines a closing wallfor a plurality of plastic blister compartments or pockets (notillustrated in FIG. 61 but similar to blister pockets formed from frontand rear walls 412 and 413, respectively, in FIG. 19). In theillustrated embodiment of FIG. 61 sheet 420 forms a wall for each ofeight separate compartments, each compartment having a wall identifiedby one of the circles in FIG. 61. Three of the separate compartmentwalls are indicated by numerals 415.

Referring also to FIG. 62, RFID tag 1570 includes a memory 60, logic1571, a capacitor 1578 and an RF antenna 1576. In the illustratedembodiment 400 two separate conductive run configurations are shownincluding a first configuration having parallel arranged runs 1572 and asecond configuration having a separate run for each of the blisterpockets corresponding to the configuration. The parallel configurationincludes four conductive runs 1572, one run for each of compartmentwalls 415. Each run 1572 passes across a separate one of walls 415 andall of the runs 1572 are linked at their ends in a parallel fashion tofirst and second return runs 1555 and 1557, respectively. Each returnrun 1555 and 1557 extends back to tag 1570 forming a loop therewith.

Together the four runs 1572 provide known impedance. When one of theruns 1572 is broken the impedance increases, when a second run is brokenthe impedance increases even further and so on. The impedancescorresponding to each combination of broken runs 1572 (e.g., 1 broken, 2broken, 3 broken, etc.) is also known. Thus, by measuring the combinedimpedances of the non-broken runs 1572 and comparing the measuredimpedance to the known impedances, the number of broken pockets (andhence consumed tablets) can be determined. This configuration isadvantageous as the parallel configuration of runs reduces the overallrun length required to provide the sensing function.

Referring still to FIG. 61, the second configuration of runs includingruns 1573 that form separate sensing circuits or sensing loops for eachof four corresponding pockets. To this end, a separate run 1573 extendsfrom tag 1570 across each of four pockets (not separately numbered),each run linked to a common return run 1559 that returns to tag 1570. Inthis case logic 1571 monitors each of the runs 1573 and, when an opencircuit is identified, logic 1571 concludes that the correspondingpocket has been broken.

With each of the first and second configurations described above, when atablet is pressed through a wall 415 a break occurs in the correspondingrun 1572 or 1573. An exemplary opened or broken wall is illustrated bynumeral 1574. Because logic 1571 is linked to each run 1572 and 1573,logic 1571 can sense either a change in impedance (i.e., a impedanceincrease or an open circuit) each time a tablet compartment is openedand, upon opening a compartment, it is assumed a tablet is consumed.

Logic 1571 is also linked to antenna 1576 for sending and receivinginformation, is linked to capacitor 1578 for receiving power through RFexcitation and is linked to memory 60 to read the memory and update thememory.

Referring to FIGS. 59, 61 and 62, any time antenna 1576 is placed withina sensing area (e.g., adjacent surface 1583), antenna 1576 is excitedand charges up capacitor 1578. When capacitor 1578 discharges thecapacitive power energizes logic 1571 at which point logic 1571 canperform any of several different functions. For example, logic 1571 maysimply transmit medication information to sensor pad 1370 via antenna sothat the system 1300 of FIG. 59 can identify a consumption regimen. Inaddition, logic 1571 may interrogate each run 1572 to identify anybreaks in the runs 1572. When a break is identified, logic 1571 mayupdate memory 60 to reflect the break and, may also send a message viaantenna 1576 to pad 1370 indicating any new breaks which are assumed tocorrespond to tablet consumption. In any case the configuration of FIG.61 clearly can be used by system 1300 to automatically identifyconsumption.

Referring still to FIG. 69 all of the bars related to medication Bindicate that medication B was taken at each of the times specified bythe regimen in the specified amounts (i.e., two tablets each time).

Regarding the portion of the graph related to medication C, bar 1808indicates that medication C was taken as prescribed at 10 AM. However,at 4 PM medication C was taken two hours prior to the time specified bythe regimen (i.e., the specified time was 8 hours after time 10 AM andtherefore medication C should have been taken next at 6 PM, not 4 PM).To indicate consumption at an incorrect time bar 1810 is placed at 4 PMand has an appearance that is different than the other bars (e.g., 1802,etc.).

In addition to indicating mis-medication, when early consumption occurs,processor 1378 modifies the next consumption times for medication C inan attempt to get the system user back on the prescribed medicationcycle. To indicate a medication cycle adjustment a bar 1811 and anadjustment arrow 1813 are provided to indicate the regimen adjustment.In addition, alert times following consumption bar 1810 are modifiedsuch that consumptions occur at 8 hour intervals beginning with bar 1810and as consistent with the original prescription. Consumption barscorresponding to the modified times are identified by numerals 1812 and1814.

In addition to the indicators identified above, a notification indicator1820 is provided at the 4 PM time corresponding to medication C thatindicates that a notification was sent to the prescribing physician thata regimen has been altered as a function of mis-medication. As describedabove the notice may be sent in any manner including an e-mail, page,automatic phone call, etc.

Consumption page 1800 may be displayed via display 132 in FIG. 59 or byway of some other interface such as a personal computer associated withthe system user or by a personal computer associated with a physician.

While the consumption page 1800 illustrates past consumption, it shouldbe appreciated that the consumption page may also be used to view futureconsumption regimens or to modify consumption regimens. To this end,although not illustrated, other mechanical or on-screen buttons andicons may be provided to enable a system user to view and edit.

Twelfth Embodiment

The twelfth embodiment is similar to the eleventh embodiment except thatthe twelfth embodiment includes a much smaller sensing pad and thereforerepresents a relatively inexpensive configuration.

Much of the construction and operation of the twelfth embodiment issimilar or identical to many of the above embodiments in constructionand operation and therefore only the distinctions between the twelfthembodiment and the previous embodiments will be described here indetail. In FIG. 64 components that are similar to components describedabove are often identified by similar numbers.

Referring specifically to FIG. 64 the twelfth embodiment includes amedication organizing system 1900 for interacting with any of thecontainers described above (e.g., containers 10, 200, 400, 950, 1100 and1101 or 1200) and for any other suitably labeled container type (e.g.,boxes, tubes, syringes, bottles, etc.). For purposes of brevity, most ofthe following description only discusses the use of container 1600 withorganizing system 1900 unless a feature not represented by container1600 is being described. Once again referring to FIG. 60 container 1600has a memory strip 60 in the form of an RFID tag placed on undersurface1602.

Referring to FIG. 64 system 1900 includes an interface 1906 and arelatively small sensor pad 1904 that are used in conjunction withcontainer 1600. Referring also to FIG. 59, interface 1906 is essentiallyidentical to interface 1310 except that interface 1906 includes anenlarged port 1902 for receiving a male end of pad 1904. For this reasoncomponents and operation of interface 1906 will not be described here indetail.

Sensor pad 1904 is relatively small having a top surface 1910 thatdefines a sensing area just above surface 1910. In the illustratedembodiment surface 1910 is essentially the same shape as and slightlylarger than the under surface of the containers (e.g., 1600) likely tobe used with system 1900. In this manner surface 1910 can help a systemuser to place containers 1600 correctly adjacent the sensor that residesjust under surface 1910.

An indicator (e.g., LED) 1912 is also provided adjacent surface 1910. Amale extension (not illustrated in FIG. 64 but similar to the extensionof FIG. 65) is constructed so as to be receivable within port 1902 sothat the processor within interface 1906 can communicate with sensor pad1904.

Referring to FIGS. 9, 28 and 64, in one embodiment pad 1904 includes asensing element 115 (e.g., an RF sensor in the form of an antenna justbelow surface 1910). When pad 1904 is linked to interface 1906 via port1902 the processor 1378 within interface 1906 is linked to the sensingelement 115 for retrieving information from any RFID tag within thesensing area.

When a container 1600 is placed on top of slot or surface 1910 processor120 retrieves information from memory 60 via the RF sensor 115 justbelow surface 1910. Processor 120 transfers retrieved information to theinterface memory 1389 (see also FIG. 28) for each medication placed onsurface 1910.

In operation, initially a container 1600 containing medicine provided bya pharmacy and including an RFID tag 60 is placed on surface 1910. Whenmore than one medication in separate containers 1600 are to be organizedby system 1900, processor 1378 uses the information retrieved from eachmedication container to determine times when the medications are to beconsumed. System 1900 issues consumption alerts using display 132 and/orindicator 1912 and may also use an audible alarm (i.e., 134 in FIG. 28).The alert continues until the RFID tag 60 on the correct medicationcontainer 1600 is brought into the sensing area above surface 1910. Whena RFID tag 60 is brought within the sensing area above surface 1910,processor 1378 retrieves information from the container RFID tag 60 andcompares the retrieved information to previously stored information inmemory 1389 to determine if the container is the container thatcorresponds to the alert (i.e., is the container from which medicationshould be consumed).

If the sensed container 1600 corresponds to the alert, processor 1378turns off the alert. When the container 1600 is removed from the sensingarea for a period having duration at least as long as the minimum timerequired to consume the prescribed dose, it is assumed that theprescribed consumption dose has been consumed. For example, the periodduration may be 10 seconds, a minimum likely time required to uncap thecontainer, dispense the prescribed dose, recap the container and consumethe dose. After the prerequisite time required to assume consumption,processor 1378 may record the consumption information to memory 1389.When it is inconvenient to bring container 1600 in proximity to surface1910 button 160 or a touch screen icon can be used to indicatemedication consumption.

Alternately, the alert can be temporarily delayed by pressing button 160twice or it can be canceled (the recommended consumption is skipped) bypressing button 160 three times or by selecting another button or touchscreen icon. This information can be recorded in memory 1389. To cancelor delay the alert does not require that a container be positionedwithin the sensing area adjacent surface 1910.

The processes of modifying dosing times, determining contraindicatedmedications, pairing medications and sequencing medications describedabove with respect to other embodiments are also contemplated withrespect to this twelfth embodiment.

Thirteenth Embodiment

Referring to FIGS. 65 and 66, yet another embodiment or system 2000 ofthe invention is illustrated. The thirteenth embodiment or system 2000is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 64 in many respects and therefore,in the interest of brevity, only unique features of the thirteenthembodiment will be described here in detail.

System 2000 includes an interface 2006 and a portable or remote reminderunit 2004 that are to be used in conjunction with any container that issuitably labeled for information retrieval. Again, in the interest ofbrevity it will be assumed that only containers 1600 as described abovewith respect to FIG. 60 are used with system 2000 and any systemcomponents that are similar to components described above will not bedescribed again here in detail.

Interface 2006 is essentially identical to interface 1906 in FIG. 64 andtherefore will not be explained again in detail. Suffice it to say thatinterface 2006 includes at least one interface button 160, a displayscreen 132, an audible indicator 134 and a female port 2002 includingcontacts 1596 for receiving a male end of reminder unit 2004 andmatching contacts 2005. In addition, referring also to FIG. 28,interface 2006 includes a processor 1378 and other components includingan interface memory 1389, a clock 145 and a power source 150 (e.g., abattery). Moreover interface 2006 may also be linked to a computernetwork such as the Internet.

Unit 2004 is a portable pad including a sensing surface 2010, avisual/audio indicator 2012, an interface button 2014, first and secondcompartments 2016 and 2017 closable by first and second compartment lids2018 and 2020, respectively, and a male extension 2022 includingcontacts 2005 configured to be that is receivable within female port2002. In addition, referring also to FIG. 9, in the illustratedembodiment unit 2004, like some of the portable smart vial embodiments,also includes a processor 120 linked to a memory 125 (not illustrated inFIG. 66), a sensing element 115 (e.g., an RFID tag reader) that residesjust below surface 2010, a clock 145 (not illustrated in FIG. 66) and apower source 150 (e.g., a battery not illustrated in FIG. 66). Inaddition, in some embodiments unit 2004 may also include some means forlocking each of lids 2018 and 2020 closed until prescribed consumptiontimes.

Operation of unit 2004 and interface 2006 together may take manydifferent forms depending upon the functions supported by system 2000 asa whole. For example, reminder unit 2004 may be programmed to simplyalert and record consumption and may not be programmed to identify aconsumption regimen from RFID tag information, regimen identificationreserved for interface 2006. In the alternative unit 2004 may be able toidentify medication regimens from RFID tag information. According toanother alternative unit 2004 may simply alert and may not be programmedto record consumption or may be programmed to record consumption withoutproviding consumption alerts. An exemplary embodiment of how thereminder unit 2004 and interface 2006 may operate together is providedbelow.

Remote and portable unit 2004 is used when a system user's prescriptionregimen calls for the user to consume one or more medications in themiddle of the day and where interface 2006 is too large to be carriedduring the day. Unit 2004 is sized to be carried conveniently by asystem user and can be programmed with alert information regarding allmedications that are to be taken remotely.

In operation, referring to FIGS. 65, 66, 9 and 28, with extension 2022plugged into port 2002 so that processor 1378 can communicate withsensor 115 (i.e., the sensor just under surface 2010), when more thanone medication in separate containers 1600 are to be organized by system2000, processor 1378 uses the information retrieved from each medicationcontainer to determine times when the medications are to be consumed.For fixed system use, system 2000 may issue consumption alerts usingdisplay 132 and/or indicator 2012 and may also use an audible alarm. Thealert continues until the RFID tag 60 on the correct medicationcontainer 1600 is brought into the sensing area above surface 2010. Whena RFID tag 60 is brought within the sensing area above surface 2010,processor 1378 retrieves information from the container RFID tag 60 andcompares the retrieved information to previously stored information inmemory 1389 to determine if the container is the container thatcorresponds to the alert (i.e., is the container from which medicationshould be consumed).

If the sensed container 1600 corresponds to the alert, processor 1378turns off the alert. When the container 1600 is removed from the sensingarea for a period having duration at least as long as the minimum timerequired to consume the prescribed dose, it is assumed that theprescribed consumption dose has been consumed. After the prerequisitetime required to assume consumption, processor 1378 may record theconsumption information to memory 1389.

It is contemplated that a medication user's regimen may require that theuser consume more than one medication at about the same time. Whilesystem 2000 may be equipped to provide a single alert for severaldifferent medications at the same time by listing medications on display132, in some embodiments it may be advantageous to provide separateconsecutive alerts to the user one at a time to avoid confusion. Thus,where medications A, B and C are to be consumed at about the same timesystem 2000 may provide a first alert corresponding to medication A and,after medication A has been consumed (i.e., medication A vial has beenplaced on pad 2010, confirmed and removed), provide a second alert formedication B and, after medication B has been consumed, provide yet athird alert for medication C.

In this case, when an alert for medication A is provided but each ofmedications A, B and C are to be taken at about the same time, if themedication user selects one of medications B or C and places thatmedication on pad 2010, system 2000 may be programmed to recognize thatthe vial on pad 2010 does not correspond to medication A but doescorrespond to medication B or C and that the medication B or C also mustbe consumed at the alerting time. Here, system 2000 may be programmed tohalt the current alert and allow consumption and, after a shortinterlude to allow consumption, may provide the medication A alert asecond time and so on until all of the medications to be consumed at thealerting time are consumed.

This multi-consumption feature may also be supported via otherembodiments of the present invention including each of the remotedevices and systems described in more detail above and in the followingparagraphs.

To explain remote use via reminder unit 2004 it will be assumed that asystem user expects to be remotely located for 10 hours between 8 AM and6 PM and that during that time the user is to consume two tablets of amedication A every two hours beginning at 10 AM and one tablet of amedication B every four hours also beginning at 10 AM. Assuming theconsumption schedule described above is already stored in memory 1389 asystem user may use interface 2006 to indicate that the user will beremotely located for the specified period between 8 AM and 6 PM and thatthe user wishes to use the reminder unit 2004 remotely. Such informationcan be indicated in any of several ways including interface button 160or selection of icons provided on display 132.

After indicating a desire to medicate remotely via interface 2006,interface processor 1378 identifies a remote consumption schedulecorresponding to the remote use period specified (i.e., 8 AM to 6 PM).Thus, the remote schedule includes alerts to consume two tablets ofmedication A at each of times 10 AM, 12 AM, 2 PM, 4 PM and 6 PM as wellas alerts to consume one table of medication B at each of times 10 AM, 2PM and 6 PM. Processor 1378 then transfers the remote schedule alertregimen to reminder unit memory 125 (see FIG. 9).

In addition processor 1378 instructs (e.g., via display 132) the systemuser to retrieve each of medications A and B so that the medications canbe transferred to compartments 2018 and 2020 for remote transport. Whenthe container corresponding to medication A is positioned such that itsRFID tags is within the sensing area above surface 2010, processor 1378reads the RFID tag on the bottom of the container, recognizes thecontainer as the container including medication A, instructs the systemuser to remove the number of tablets required for remote consumption andinstructs the user to place the tablets within one of compartments 2018or 2020. When the medication A container is removed from the sensingarea it is assumed that the indicated number of tablets have beenremoved and placed within the compartment. Similarly processor 1378instructs the user to remove the prescribed number of tablets for remoteconsumption from the medication B container for placement in one ofcompartments 2020 or 2018. Where two medications are to be takenremotely at about the same time, processor 1378 may instruct themedication user to place each of the two medications in a singlecompartment (e.g., 2016) for transport.

Once medications A and B have been stored for remote consumptionprocessor 1378 cancels the alerts at interface 2006 so as those alertswill be handled remotely. Moreover, processor 1378 may store anindication within memory 1389 that medications A and B were dispensedfor remote consumption so that, after the remote period, interface 2006can require the user of the remote device to confirm consumption andconsumption times. Furthermore, processor 1378 may update the medicationquantities in container memory devices (e.g., 60) or in an interfacememory 1389 either upon dispensing or upon subsequent consumptionconfirmation.

After medications A and B have been placed in the specified compartmentsthe user is instructed that unit 2004 can be detached from interface2006 for remote use. Thereafter, while the user is remotely located,processor 120 tracks the remote regimen and provides alerts to theremote device user indicating when each of medications A and B should beconsumed. Consumption alerts may be provided either audibly, visually,via vibration, or any combination thereof, depending upon mechanicalcapabilities of remote unit 2004.

In addition to providing consumption alerts, processor 120 may beprogrammed to perform any of the functions described above with respectto the stationary interface processors. For example, remote unit 2004may be equipped with a locking mechanism (e.g., a solenoid-poweredlatch) that locks each of the compartment lids (e.g., 2018) closed untilthe consumption times. In addition, after an alert and after a lid isopened processor 1378 may record the lid opening time as a consumptiontime for the medication stored in the corresponding compartment. Otherfunctions are contemplated.

After a remote use period system 2000 may cause synchronization of theinformation stored in remote device 2004 and interface 2006 so that theconsumption records may be complete. To this end, at the end of theremote period interface 2006 may prompt the system user to re-linkremote device 2004 to interface 2006 so that the consumption informationcan be read and stored in memory 1389. In the alternative, upon the nextconsumption alert generated by interface 2006, interface 2006 mayrequest that remote device 2004 be re-linked via port 2002 for twopurposes. First, upon re-linking a vial can be placed on surface 2010 toconfirm which of several medications should be consumed. Second, theinformation related to remote consumption in memory 125 can be read andsynchronized at that time.

Moreover, if some of the medication was not consumed at the prescribedremote use times, processor 1378 can instruct the system user to returnthe un-consumed medication back to the correct vial. To this end, assumethat despite effort to follow the remote regimen, a system user missedone prescribed consumption of medication A and therefore, upon returningto interface 2006, there are two tablets of medication A in one of thecompartments (e.g., 2016). In this case, remote device 2004 would haverecognized that, at one of the prescribed times, compartment 2016 wasnot opened and therefore would assume mis-medication. Thus, uponreturning to interface 2006, interface processor 1378 identifies thattwo medication A tablets remain in compartment 2016 and request that theuser place the medication A container (i.e., a vial 1600) on surface2010. When the correct container 1600 is placed on surface 2010,processor 1378 recognizes the container and instructs the user to returnthe medication A tablets back to the container for future consumption.

Where more than two medications are to be consumed remotely or where thevolume required to transport medications for remote consumption isgreater than the volume of a compartment 2016, remote device 2004 may beequipped to operate with separate vials (e.g., 1600, see FIG. 66) whenmedication is to be consumed. To this end it is assumed that amedication user may transport both device 2004 and one or more vials1600 that store medications to be remotely consumed. Then, when device2004 generates a consumption alert, the medication user retrieves one ofthe vials and places the under surface of the vial adjacent sensor 115.Device 2004 then determines if the vial adjacent sensor 115 correspondsto the alert. If the vial corresponds to the alert, device 2004indicates a match and discontinues the alert. If the vial does notcorrespond to the alert, device 2004 would either continues the alert orprovide a different alert indicating that a match was attempted but didnot occur.

The processes of modifying dosing times, determining contraindicatedmedications, pairing medications and sequencing medications describedabove with respect to other embodiments are also contemplated withrespect to this thirteenth embodiment.

Fourteenth Embodiment

Referring now to FIG. 67 yet another embodiment 2100 of the invention isillustrated. This fourteenth embodiment 2100 is similar to theembodiment described in conjunction with FIGS. 65 and 66 and otherembodiments above and therefore will only be described in general termsto highlight the differences between this and the other embodiments. Tothis end, it is contemplated that a remote reminder/recording device2102 that is relatively small and that does not include a containeritself may be configured. Again, as with the embodiments describedabove, device 2102 may be used with any of the containers describedabove but, in the interest of simplifying this explanation, will only bedescribed in the context of exemplary container 1600 including an RFIDtag 60 disposed on an undersurface 1602 where the tag is either readableor readable/writable.

As illustrated device 2102 may take the form of a watch including asmall display 132 that forms a sensing surface 2104 and has one or moreaudible or visual indicators 2106 and an interaction button 2108.Referring also to FIG. 9, as in the case of the remote device in FIGS.65 and 66, device 2102 includes a processor 120, a memory 125 and, ofcourse, a power source 150 and a clock 145. In this embodiment device2102 may also be equipped with contacts (not illustrated) for linking toan interface cable like cable 1580 in FIG. 59. In the alternative, aninterface (e.g., 1310 in FIG. 59) may be equipped to communicate via RFor IR transmission and reception with a proximate remote device likedevice 2102. To this end note that device 2102 already includes an RFantenna for reading and perhaps writing to RFID tags 60 on theundersides of containers 1600.

Device 2102 operates in a fashion similar to that described above withrespect to FIGS. 65 and 66 except that, because device 2102 does notinclude medication compartments, in addition to a user having to travelwith device 2102, the user must also take one or more containers (e.g.,1600) when travelling remotely so that medications can be transported.Thus, referring also to FIG. 65, assuming device 2102, instead of device2004, is used with interface 2006 and assuming medication regimeninformation is already stored to be accessed via interface 2006, when asystem user indicates via interface 2006 that the user will betravelling remotely and wants to use remote device 2102 for a specifiedtime, interface 2006 identifies the medications to be consumed and theconsumption times that will occur during the remote use. Then, interface2006 instructs the user to select each of the medications to be remotelyused and requests that each medication container be placed such that itstag (e.g., 60) is proximate surface 2104 so that tag information can beread and the interface processor (e.g., 1378) can determine if thecontainer is the correct container.

Assuming the correct medication container is held adjacent surface 2104,interface 2006 indicates that the user should take the container alongand also writes the remote regimen information for the specificmedication to the remote device 2102 memory. A similar process isfollowed for each of the medications to be consumed during the remoteuse.

Once all of the remote regimen information has been written to thedevice 2102 memory 125, during remote use of device 2102, device 2102alerts the user each time a medication is to be consumed. An exemplaryalert may indicate that two tablets of a medication A are to be consumedand may request that the user place the medication A container such thata corresponding RFID tag 60 is adjacent surface 2104. When themedication A container is properly positioned the device 2102 processor120 reads the container memory and confirms that the container is thecorrect container from which to take medication. If, for example, amedication B container is positioned with respect to surface 2104instead of the required medication A, device 2102 may alert viaindicator 2106 or some other device that the wrong container has beenselected. Once the correct container has been positioned relativesurface 2104, device 2102 indicates the correct container.

When the container is removed from surface 2104 device 2102 assumes thatthe quantity of medication prescribed for consumption and indicated viadisplay 132 has been consumed. Assuming consumption device 2102 updatesits internal memory 125 to reflect medication consumption. Thereafter,at some suitable time after the remote use that was earlier specified(e.g., upon the next interaction with interface 2006), interface 2006may query the user or device 2102 to provide the remote use informationwhich is then stored as part of a complete consumption record for thepatient.

Embodiment 2100 may operate independently of a stationary or homeinterface like interface 2000 in FIG. 65 such that device 1202 wouldcollect information from vial memories and perform all of theconsumption sequencing and reporting tasks as well as any other healthsafety functions contemplated in this description.

The processes of modifying dosing times, determining contraindicatedmedications, pairing medications and sequencing medications describedabove with respect to other embodiments are also contemplated withrespect to this fourteenth embodiment.

Fifteenth Embodiment

Referring now to FIG. 68 therein is illustrated yet one other embodiment2200 of the present invention. Embodiment 2200 includes an enclosurewhich, as illustrated, may be a medicine cabinet or, in the alternative,the enclosure may be a kitchen cabinet or the like. Enclosure 2202includes a relatively large compartment 2206 and a door 2208 hingedadjacent compartment 2206 that can be used to close or open compartment2206. Compartment 2206 is sized to receive, among other things, aplurality of containers (e.g., 1600) and, in the illustrated embodiment,includes several shelves 2210, 2212 and 2214 for supporting containersthereon and a back wall 2240.

Embodiment 2200 is similar to the embodiments described above andtherefore only features unique to embodiment 2200 will be described herein detail. In addition, embodiment 2200 may be used with any of thecontainer types described above but, in the interest of simplifying thisexplanation, embodiment 2200 will be described in relation to operationwith containers 1600 like the one illustrated in FIG. 60 having an RFIDtag 60 mounted to an undersurface 1602.

In addition to enclosure 2202, embodiment 2200 includes an interfacedevice 2204, a compartment mounted device 2226, a plurality ofhorizontal RF sensor antennas collectively referred to by numeral 2220and a back wall antenna 2224. Interface 2204 may be positioned eitherinside or outside compartment 2206 when door 2208 is closed. In theillustrated embodiment interface 2204 is positioned outside compartment2206 and, for example, may rest upon a kitchen or bathroom countertop.Referring again to FIG. 28, interface 2204 includes a processor 1378, amemory 1389, an audible (and perhaps a visual) alarm 134, a power source150, interface button 160 and a transceiver 1343. Processor 1378 islinked to and controls all other interface components and, in thatregard, can be programmed to perform any of the functions describedabove.

Referring again to FIG. 28, compartment mounted device 2226 includes aprocessor 2230 linked to each of antennas 2220 and 2224, a memory 2248and a transceiver 2236 for sending and receiving signals to and fromtransceiver 1343. Processor 2230 is capable of using antenna 2220 and2224 to read any tags 60 within the sensing area (i.e., the areaadjacent any of antenna 2220 or 2224) and may also be capable of writingto any of devices 60 to alter the information stored thereon.

Generally speaking, any time a container 1600 is placed withincompartment 2206, processor 2230 in device 2226 reads the memory device60 on the newly positioned container and transmits the information tointerface 2204 via transceivers 1343 and 2236. Thereafter processor 1378in interface 2204 performs any of the functions described (e.g.,developing a regimen based on the information, sequencing, etc.) above.For example, assuming processor 1378 is programmed to alert a systemuser when a medication is to be taken, when the consumption time occurs,processor 1378 may provide an alerting message via display 132indicating which medication to consume and the quantity to consumethereby prompting the user to follow the prescribed medication.

It is also contemplated that some device inside compartment 2206 may beequipped to help a system user determine which container withincompartment 2206 includes the medication to be consumed when aconsumption alert is generated. For example, the embodiment illustratedin FIG. 68 includes an indicator device 1620. Device 1620 includes a topsurface (not numbered) configured to receive a single container 1600 andalso includes one or more indicator lights 1622 that faces the open sideof compartment 2206 for easy viewing when door 2208 is opened. Inaddition, device 1620 includes a sensor for reading a tag 60 andcommunicates with processor 2230 in device 2226.

In this case, when interface 2204 indicates that a medication should beconsumed via display 132, interface 2204 also sends a message toprocessor 2230 in device 2226 via transceivers 1343 and 2236 indicatingwhich container from which medication should be taken. Informationindicating the correct container from which to take medication is storedin device 2226 memory 2248. When a system user opens door 2208 and isfaced with several different medications within compartment 2206, theuser can select the container that the user believes to be the containerstoring the medication to be taken. After selecting the container theuser places the container on the top surface of device 1620 at whichpoint the sensor in device 1620 identifies the container and providesinformation to processor 2230. Processor 2230 then compares theinformation related to the container on device 1620 to the informationin memory 2248 to determine if the two sets of information match. Wherethe information matches, processor 2230 causes indicator light 1622 toaffirmatively indicate thereby letting the user know that the containerselected includes the medication to be taken.

In another embodiment an indicator may be provided on the container sothat immediately upon opening door 2208 a user can identify which ofseveral different containers includes a medication to be consumed. Tothis end, referring again to FIG. 68, a container 2250 is different thancontainers 1600 described above in that container 2250 includes anindicator 2252 in the form of an LED. In this case it is assumed thatthe information initially read from a container tag 60 includesinformation teaching processor 2230 how to uniquely communicate with thespecific container such as, for example, a unique power and frequencycombination or tag address. Then, when processor 2230 receives anindication from interface 2204 that a medication is to be consumed,processor 2230 sends a signal to the specifies container (e.g.,container 2250) within compartment 2206 which, via the antenna in tag60, excites the indicator 2252 positioned on top or on the side (e.g.,as part of a label that is connected to tag 60) of the container 2250.Thus, upon opening door 2208 the exact container from which to consumemedication is indicated.

While an LED 2252 is preferred because such an indicator would beparticularly easy to see when door 2208 is opened, where only minimalpower can be provided to the indicator via the antenna in tag 60, someother low energy indicating device may be used. For example, indicator2252 may be an LCD indicator and in this regard may be provided on alateral edge of a container cap instead of on the top so that theindicator 2252 can easily be seen from the side when the door 2208 isopened. Other indicators are contemplated.

Referring still to FIG. 68, transceivers 1343 and 2236 may communicatevia any type of communication protocol including RF or, wherecompartment 2206 is positioned relatively close to interface 2204 and atransceiver lead is on the outside of door 2208, via infra-redtransmissions. In addition Bluetooth technology may be used tofacilitate communication.

Moreover, interface 2204 may be linked to the Internet or some othercommunication network and, in that regard, interface 2204 may be anetwork computer or the like so that alerts and other messages can beprovided via conventional browser pages, e-mail, page alerts or phonecalls. In this case the hardware already provided for other purposes(e.g., network access) can be used for the additional purpose ofproviding medication alerts and the like.

Sixteenth Embodiment

Referring to FIG. 70, yet one other embodiment 2300 of the invention isillustrated. Embodiment 2300 is similar to the embodiments describedabove in many respects and in the functions that the system can performand therefore those function and much of the hardware used to configureembodiment 2300 are not described here in detail. In addition, whileembodiment 2300 may be used with any of the containers described above,embodiment is only described in relation to how the embodiment is usedin conjunction with containers like container 1600 in FIG. 60 includinga tag 60 on an undersurface 1602.

Specifically, embodiment 2300 is most similar to the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 59 including a pad 2302 that extends both to theright and to the left of interface 2304. Embodiment is unique in that,when two persons use the system, the system can organize medications viaphysically different sides of interface 2304 for ease of use. Forexample, when a husband and wife each use system 2300 all of thehusbands medications may be organized and alerts therefore given usingthe left side of pad 2302 while all of the wife's organizing andalerting is accomplished using the right side of pad 2302. Thus, whenthe husband is to take a medication, interface 2304 may instruct thehusband to retrieve a container and place the container on one of theleft side sensor indicia. When the correct container is placed on anindicia the interface may indicate so either via the interface displayor via an indicator light (e.g., 136). Similar alerting and instructingis contemplated in the case of the wife. Other methods of distinguishingwhich medications are for which person are contemplated.

While many different embodiments of the invention have been describedabove and many different health safety functions have been described inconjunction with various of the embodiments it should be appreciatedthat almost all of the health safety functions taught could befacilitated with each of the embodiments. For instance, health safetyfunctions including contraindication, alerting of consumption timesbased on questionnaires or information related to vital signs eitherlocally or via instructions from a remote server, warnings regardingallergies, consumption outside specific time periods, etc., managingdifferent medication users using the same systems, skipping alerts whenprevious events obviate the alerts, presenting messages to medicationusers related to the medications they are consuming, presentingquestionnaires based on consumed medications, storing and displayingconsumption data and remote scheduling are all functions that could befacilitated in one way or another with most all of the embodimentsdescribed above.

Memory Device Label on Pre-Set Cards/Sheets

FIG. 71 shows memory device card 2400, consisting of main sheet 2402which may have a portion that is an adhesive release liner. Printed onsheet 2402 is regimen indication 2406 and 2408, which are used toindicate the dosing regimen of the mounted memory device 60. In thiscase memory device 60 is temporarily mounted on sheet and configured asa ring. Also printed on memory deviceP 60 is dosing regimen 2410matching dosing regimen 2406, so that even when memory device 60 isremoved from sheet 2402 dosing regimen 2410 remains clearly indicated.Memory device 60 is pre-programmed or constructed to correspond to aspecific dosing regimen, in this case 1 pill taken twice a day.

Conventional bar code 2412 can be printed on sheet 2402 and may be inthe form of a UPC code. Code 2412 can be read to verify dosing regimencorresponds to a physician prescribed dosing regimen and can also beused to determine a cost to be charged to a patient for purchasing card2400. Opening 2414 is used to mount card 2400 on a display hook so thatcard 2400 is accessible to a pharmacist or in some cases apatient/customer. FIG. 72 shows a sectional view of card 2400 showingadhesive layer 55 and now RFID antenna 2416 which is part of memorydevice 60 configured as a RFID tag.

FIGS. 73, 74, and 75 show memory device 60 of FIG. 71, now removed fromsheet 2402 and adhered to collar 2420 of vial 20. Vial also has screwthread 2422 extending down from top surface 25. Screw thread 2422engages a matching thread in reminder cap 2424 allowing cap 2424 to besecured to vial 20. When attached to collar 2420 memory device 60, withdosing regimen 2410 is visible so that it can be compared and matched totextual portion 52 of label 50.

Reminder cap 2424 operates in much the same way as cap 100, dispenser800, dispenser 860, and reminder 1114 where upon reading memory device60 it can create a reminder schedule corresponding to dosing regimen2410. Reminder cap 2424 an also detect when medication 15 is being takenwhen it is no longer being able read memory device 60 when cap 2424 isremoved. Cap 2424 can also detect when it is removed my sensing a springor switch similar to lid sensor 1377.

FIGS. 76 and 77 show memory device 60 now configured to be place oncollar 2420 of the 1-Clic® vial manufactured by Owens Illinois. Memorydevice is shaped as a “C”. Sheet 2402 also has in this embodiment thename of a specific medication 2430. Memory device 60 also has specificmedication text 2432, in this case Lipitor. Dosing regimen 2408 andregimen 2410 are set to the standard dosing regimen for specificmedication 2430. When memory device 60 is removed from sheet 2402 text2432 can be used to match textual portion 52 of label 50.

Memory device 60 can be configured as a RFID tag, but may instead beconfigured with multiple conductive 352 and nonconductive 354 contactsused similarly as explained for FIGS. 16 and 17 and container 300.

Memory device 60 is designed to be mounted to collar 2420 allowing the1-Click® locking/release mechanism 2434 to remain uncovered.

FIGS. 78 and 79 show memory device 60 now configured as part of plasticbase 2440. In this embodiment dosing regimen 2410 is not printed onmemory device 60, instead medication name 2432 is used. In this case thestandard dosing regimen 2408 for specific medication 2430 is deemed toocomplicated to print on memory device 60.

Base 2440 has bottom surface 2441, top surface 2442, and undercut side2443. Top surface 2442 has adhesive layer 2444 and release liner 2446.By removing liner 2446, adhesive layer 2444 is exposed allowing base2440 to be adhered to the bottom surface 24 of vial 20. Alternately itmay be attached to vial 20 by an interference or pressure fit or it canbe screwed on.

FIGS. 80 and 81 show vial 20 with base 2440 being placed into opening2450 of reminder 2452 whose operation is similar to dispenser 1300.However in this embodiment undercut 2443 can engage a latch (not shown)within reminder 2452 to prevent vial 20 from accidentally coming out ofreminder 2452 should it be tipped over. When used in conjunction with avertical compression spring (not shown) within reminder 2452 vial 20without undercut 2443 or base 2440, vial 20 will be pushed out ofreminder 2452, indicating that it is not compatible with reminder 2452.Vial 20 with base 2440 can be removed from reminder 2452 by pulling itout with hand pressure or by pressing a release button, for examplebutton 160, to disengage the latch.

To allow patients to read textual portion 52 when vial 20 is inserted inopening 2450, reminder 2452 can include transparent wall 2454.

FIGS. 82 and 83 show blister pack 400 arranged as previously describedfor FIGS. 18 to 24 and 61. Now shown is memory device 60 with dosingregimen 2410 attached to sheet 420. Sheet 420 also has openings 2478that can be used to secure sheet 420 to reminder 2460, for example usingdetents or latches (not shown). In FIG. 83 reminder 2460 is shown withsheet 420 inserted into a slot along the length of reminder 2460, sothat reminder 2460 can read memory device 60. It is anticipated thememory device 60 can be purchased/selected similar to memory device 60of FIG. 71, except instead of being ring shaped it is in the form of astrip.

FIG. 84 shows sheet 2462 with preprinted section 2464, with removableadhesive label section 50 and removable adhesive memory device 60 (inthis case not attached to plastic base 2440). Memory device 60, forexample a RFID memory tag, has an adhesive backing attached to a releaseliner underneath it, allowing memory device to be removed from sheet2462. Memory device 60 has printable section 2480. Bar code 2476 is alsoshown which may be a UPC code used to identify label 2462 duringcustomer checkout or it can be a code that is printed by a pharmacy.Sheet 2462 can be an individual sheet or it may be part of a larger webthat is passed through a printer, for example sheet can be one portionof a continuous Z-fold web.

Pharmacist Memory Device Creation and Medication Container Labeling

As previously explained the pharmacist or his or her staff uses thephysician provided prescription to fill or select one or more medicationcontainers, such as vial 20, blister pack 400, cassette 950 withprescribed medication 15. For each such container the pharmacy createsprescription information 80 corresponding to the type of medication 15placed in that container. This information 80 is written or otherwiseapplied to the memory device 60, 352-358, 960, or 1570 (subsequentlyreferred to as memory device 60) that is secured or otherwise applied tothe appropriate vial 20, cassette 950, blister pack 420, or other.

To do this the pharmacist can use pharmacy medication dispensing system2500 (see FIG. 85) including printer station 2502. Station 2502 isincludes a processor and memory 2504 linked to display 2506 and userinterface 2508 such as a keyboard, mouse, voice analyzer. Station 2502is connected by communication line 2510 (USB, serial line, Bluetooth, or802.11 communication standards) to reader 2514 (for example a UPC barcode reader) to read identifier 2512 (e.g. a UPC bar code) and labelprinter 2520. In some cases when product identifier 2512 is a RFID tag(or the like) reader 2514 may be configured to be a RFID tag writer aswell. Identifier 2512 may identify a bulk medication container that apharmacist uses to dispense medication into vial 20 or another containerfor a customer. While station 2502, reader 2514 and printer 2520 areshown as separate components it is anticipated that they canbeneficially be arranged within a single housing.

Printer station 2502 is also connected by network 1410 (e.g. Ethernet,802.11, or Internet) to server or processor 1402 and database 1408,which can hold prescription information 82 and medication information 84as part of information 1420 about customers, their preferences, medicalproducts, and prescriptions. It should be noted that station 2502,server 1400, and database 1408 can be combined into a single physicalassembly, e.g. a personal computer with a long term memory store.

Label printer 2520 is shown with label 2462 being ejected or removedafter being printed. As shown in FIG. 86, textual portion 50 has manreadable instructional information portion 52 with patient or customername 2566, medication name 2570, and the customer's dosing regimen 2572.Instructional information 52 is printed on label 50 having adhesivecoating 55, that is adhered to label 2562 via a release liner sectionbeneath it. Also shown is medication identifier 2580 which correspondsto medication name 2570 or dosing regimen 2572. Label 50 can be removedand adhered to a medication container, for example vial 20 or any of theother containers and blister packs previously described.

When memory device 60 is separately removable from label 2462 it isanticipated that it can be printed with identifier text 2580, such asmedication name 2570 and/or patient nane 2566 and/or other informationthat links to information on label 50. Memory device 60 can also beremoved from label 2462 and attached to a medication container, forexample vial 20 or other. In some cases information recorded in memorydevice 60 can be used instead of bar code 2412 or 2476.

It is also anticipated that label 2462 can be a single adhesive labelincluding memory device 60, that is attached to a medication container,such as vial 20, in which case label 2462 is similar to 50.

When filling a prescription the pharmacist enters a variety ofprescription information using keyboard 2508, such as the patient name2566, the medication 2570 to be dispensed, the dosing regimen 2572prescribed by the physician, and other pertinent information, forexample information 80. When the prescription is to refill a previouslyprescribed medication the pharmacist can recall this information fromdatabase 1408. When done the information is stored in database 1408.Upon approval printer 2520 is activated by processor 2504 to print label2462. It is anticipated that printer 2520 is also equipped with asuitable interface to write to memory device 60, for example an RFIDreader/writer, to record or transfer at least a portion of information80 to device 60.

Alternately, printer may record or print a unique serial number tomemory device 60 and record both the serial number and medicationinformation in database 1408. Reminder device, such as 100, 500, 800,860, 900, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1900, 2000, 2200, or 2300, 2424, 2452, or2460 can read the serial number. The serial number is then transferredto database 1408 using network 1410 (wired or wireless communication).Database then uses the serial number to retrieve at least a portion ofmedication information 80 which is then transferred back to the reminderdevice to use to schedule its operation, for example to schedule when topresent alerts for the patient to consume the medication.

Label 2462 is taken from printer 2520 and removable section 50 withinstruction information 2567 is removed from label 2462 and adhered tothe medication container, for example vial 20. Similarly, memory device60 is removed from label 2462 and adhered to medication container, forexample the bottom of vial 20. Identifier text 2580 on memory device 60ensures that it can be matched to textual portion 52, to eliminateconfusion should the pharmacist be distracted while performing thedispensing operation. Of course memory device 60 can be adhered to themedication container before label 50 is adhered. The medicationcontainer is then given to the patient after it is sealed or capped.

However, it is anticipated that memory device 60 on label 2462 may bepreprogrammed with a serial number. In this case printer 2520 can beequipped to read the serial number so that it can be correlated with atleast a portion for medication information 80 in database 1408. Whenmemory device 60 is attached to the medication container it can later beused with a reminder device top transfer the serial number to database2408 which retrieves at least a portion of medication information 80 bya reminder device to guide its operation.

A further alternate is for the pharmacist to fill the medicationcontainer and print out a conventional label 50 that is adhered to themedication container without memory device 60. The pharmacist thenselects a memory device 60 that corresponds to prescription information82 and attaches it to the medication container, for example the memorydevice 60 of FIG. 71, 76, 78, or 82. The pharmacist can do this byselecting memory tag 60 with an adhesive backing from a card 2400. Eachmemory device 60 has identifier text 2410 indicating the dosing regimenit corresponds to, for example one pill once a day, two pills once aday, or one pill twice a day, or two puffs twice a day (for inhaledmedication). In some instances the printed indication will indicate aspecific medication type or medication brand name 2432 and the dosingregimen specified in memory device 60 is set to correspond to thatmedication. This might be used for a medication like azithromycin where2 pills are taken on the first day and one pill a day for 4 additionaldays.

The pharmacist then removes the appropriate memory device 60 andattaches it to a medication container. For example memory device 60 canbe placed on the bottom surface of 1602 of container 1600 (see FIGS. 60and 79). Memory device 60 may be attached before or after the medicationis dispensed into the medication container and similarly may be attachedbefore or after label 50 is attached. Label 50 is applied over memorydevice 60 when memory device 60 can be read through section 50, forexample when memory device is an RFID tag. In each case the printedidentifier 2576 is matched appropriately to the medication prescriptionon label 50.

The same process can be used when the pharmacist selects a memory device60 with a unique serial number programmed in it. Now the pharmacist usesdispensing system 2500 to read the selected memory device 60 and linkthe serial number to information 80 in database 1408. Database 1408 canalso compare information 80 with the schedule memory device 60 isprogrammed to support (or the serial number is linked to) and determineif the schedule corresponds to the physician prescribed prescriptioninformation 82. If there is no match the pharmacist can be provided withan caution message on display 2506. While memory device 60 may be set toschedule reminders at a specific time intervals corresponding to thedosing regimen specified by identifier 2580, linking its serial numberto information 80 in database 1408 allows advanced features to beactivated by the reminder device, for example comparing medication forcontraindications, searching for recalled medication, etc.

In some cases the pharmacist may not want to open a prepackagedmedication so as to place or attach memory device 60. For example manyasthma inhalers 1204 and cartridges 1202 come prepackaged in a sealedbox 1704 that the pharmacist may not want to open. While the pharmacistmay place memory device 60 on the exterior of box 1704, this may notalways be desirable. In this case the pharmacist may print or selectmemory device 60 with printed identifier 2576, medication information 80and give or sell it to the patient. The patient can attach/adhere memorydevice 60 to the inhaler 1204, cartridge 1202, or other medicationcontainer when thy open box 1704.

Customer Selected Memory Device

FIGS. 1, 2 and 60 show medical container 10 and 1600 (e.g. vial 20 orbottle) filled with medication or medical product 15 that a customer hasselected or one that a pharmacist has prepared for the customer. Vial 20has vertical wall 22, enclosed bottom surface 24 or 1602, and is sealedby cap 1108. Vial 20 also has medical product label 50 or 1136 includingtext portion 52 that identifies the product and may have instructionsfor its use. Label 50 or 1136 can also have medical product identifierbar code 2576, e.g. a UPC bar code.

To use medical product 15 with reminder device 100, dispenser 810 orother reminder or dispensers previously described, the vial 20 or othermedication container must have memory device 60 programmed withprescription information. It is contemplated that some pharmacists mayto too busy to provide memory device 60 as describe above for the subsetof customers who want it. In this case the customer can be provided witha rack of cards 2400 to select memory device 60 amongst. They can eitherselect card 2400 with the correct memory device 60 by matching theinformation in textual portion 52 with text on card 2400; for examplematching medication name 2570 with medication name 2430 or 2432 ormatching dosing regimen 2572 with dosing regimen 2408 or 2410.

Selected memory device 60 can then be adhered to container 20, forexample on bottom surface 24 or on collar 2420 or elsewhere as needed.Memory device 60 is attached to vial 20 by an adhesive, although othermethods of attachment can be used. Memory device 60 further includesidentifier text 2410, 2432 or 2580. It should be noted that in mostembodiments of the invention, memory device 60 can be any form ofmachine readable device, e.g. a for example a RFID tag, an electronicmemory accessed by contacts, a series of electrical contacts, or a barcode.

Once a match has been made the customer can purchase card 2400 and laterremove memory device 60 from sheet 2402 and attach it to vial 20 orblister pack sheet 420.

However, in some cases a customization of memory device may need to bemade. The customer can use printer station 2500 to customize the use ofmemory device 60. The customer selects medical product vial 20 or 1600,which may be in protective box 1700. Station 2500 uses reader 2514 toread medical product identifier 2512 or 2580. Alternately, the customercan enter a medical product identifier (e.g. a product number or name)using user interface 2508. The customer also enters their name 2566using interface 2508 or by presenting customer credit card or affinitycard 2590 (see FIG. 75) with customer identifier 2592 (e.g. a bar codeor magnetic stripe) to reader 2514. The customer information is sent toprocessor 1400.

When the customer first uses printer station 2500, he is presented withpreference definition screen 2610 on display 2506 (See FIGS. 88, 89, and90). Typically this includes customer name 2566, medical product name2570, and standard dosing information 2620. Name 2570 and information2520 are obtained from database 1408 by presenting product identifier2576. Standard dosing information 2520 can be used to advise thecustomer on how to properly consume medical product 15 in container1600. In the case of a prescribed medical product dispensed by apharmacist, dosing information 2520 will be the physician's prescribeddosing regimen 82 for this customer retrieved from a pharmacy or otherdatabase.

The customer is also presented with preferences 2624, the area where thecustomer is allowed to indicate her customized selections to aid her inconsuming the medical product in container 1600. As seen in FIG. 88preferences 2624 can include selected dosing information 2626 includingthe number of times a day medical product 15 is to be consumed and theamount of it to be consumed. Preferences 2624 also includes desiredconsumption schedule information 2628 such as the times of the day whenhe would like to be reminded to consume the product. Other customerselected information can be included in preferences 2624. The customerenters or selects responses to define preferences 2624 using entry boxes2630 in conjunction with user interface 2408. In some cases, a portionof preferences 2624 can be automatically provided by the UPC code 2512or a code or identifier of a patient/customer.

In FIG. 89 information 2624 now includes a recommendation to consume themedical product 15 based on a physiologically measured parameter (e.g.blood pressure, heart rate, blood glucose, etc.) exceeding a thresholdvalue. When appropriate, preferences 2624 will allow the customer tomodify the threshold value and/or to specify other selections thatallows the customer to customize his consumption or use of medicalproduct 15 (e.g. based on time or a measured or sensed physiologicparameter). It should be noted that medical product 15 can be amedication, but it can also be a diabetes blood tester, a peak flowmeter, a blood pressure cuff, or any device that a patient is suppose toused, as opposed to consumed, on a schedule.

FIG. 90 shows preference definition screen 2610, but now arranged inresponse to identifier 2476 being linked to a prescribed medicalproduct. Selected dosing information 2626 is now the dosing or usageorder 82 from the physician who prescribed medical product 15 to thecustomer and is shown as part of information 2620 because the physicianhas not allowed the customer to modify the dosing regimen. Preferencesare now restricted to allowing the customer to select customizationsthat are in accordance with the physician's order (such as consumptionschedule information 2628, e.g. when the customer has the first meal,when he wakes up, etc.).

When the customer interacting with preference definition screen 2610 isdone he selects approval icon 2632 or the like. Preferences 2624 and insome cases dosing information 2620 or 2626 are then sent to printer2520. Printer 2520 prints memory tag label 2462 including text area 52,text 2580, and programs memory tag 60 (in the case that tag 60 is a barcode or the like it is printed) with information related to medicalproduct 15 (e.g. its name 2580), standard doing information 2620 thathasn't been modified by the customer and the selected preferences 2624.When completed label 2462 exits printer 2520. The customer removes label2462 and proceeds to the checkout counter.

Furthermore customer identifier 2592 or 2566, medical product identifier2512, and selected preferences 2624 can be transferred to server 1402for storage in database 1408. There they are collected as part ofcustomer profiles 2700, see FIG. 91.

When the customer has consumed the medical product, he returns to thepharmacy and selects a new vial 20 of medical product 15 or one isprepared for him. The customer then returns to printer station 2500. Heuses reader 2514 to read medical product identifier 2512 and hiscustomer identifier 2592 from card 2590 (the customer identifier canalso be entered using interface 2508). Station 2500 then sends thisinformation to server 1402 which searches database 1408 for customerprofiles 2700 to locate the customer identified by customer identifier2566 or 2592. Once the information for that customer is located thepreviously defined preferences 2624 for medical product 15 areretrieved. Preferences 2624 are the presented on display 2506 forapproval or further modification by the customer. When done a new memorydevice 60 is printed and programmed. Any modifications to thepreferences 2624 are sent back to server 1402 for storage.

It should be noted that when medical product identifier 2512 identifiesa previously selected medical product, but identifier 2512 is differentin that it now identifies a vial 20 with a different quantity in it,printer station 2500 senses this as being identical to the previouslyselected identifier except for the quantity. However, if identifier 2521is for the same medical product, but now of a different concentration orstrength, station 2500 can provide an indication that identifier 2512 issimilar to a previously selected medical product 15 but that thismedical product is of a different concentration and when desired definenew preferences 2624.

In this manner the customer only needs to define a single time herpreferences for consuming medical product and then each subsequent useof printer station 2500, they only have to identify themselves and theproduct in order to create a new memory device 60.

At the checkout counter the customer presents his purchases includingany memory tag labels 60 to the checkout clerk. Each item that has a UPCbar code (or the like) is read by a cash register bar code reader (notshown). A tally is presented to the customer for payment prior toleaving the pharmacy. In some cases an additional check is made for eachmemory device 60 that is purchased to determine that the correspondingmedical product as identified by memory device 60, text 2570, or UPCcode 2512 is also being purchased. If not an alert is presented to theclerk and customer. This prevents the customer from leaving the pharmacyand forgetting the medical product and also serves to ensure that themedical product corresponding to memory device 60 is purchased at thesame time. This also prevents a customer from purchasing a memory tag atone pharmacy and medical product 15 elsewhere, e.g. by mail order or thelike.

When the customer arrives at home they remove vial 20 from box 1700,when so packaged. Then he removes memory device 60 from label 2462 andadheres or places it on vial 20 or other container with text 2580 thatmatches text 2570 or 2572.

In some cases memory tag 60 is selected by the customer with a serialnumber programmed in it. In this case the patient can select amedication that has been prescribed for them from those listed incustomer profile 2700 make any adjustments using screens 2610 and storethem as part of customer profile 2700 in database 1408. Reader 2514 alsoreads the serial number of memory device 60 which is recorded indatabase 1408 and linked to the customer profile for medical product 15.When a reminder or dispenser device with network communications readsthe serial number, the customer profile for this medical product can beretrieved from database and sent to the reminder or dispenser.

Alternate Embodiment of Memory Device

FIGS. 92 and 93 show an alternate embodiment of memory device 60 wherelabel 2722 with text 2724 is joined to memory device 60 by connector2726. Both label 2733 and memory device 60 are on card or sheet 2720.Label 2722 and memory tag 120 are designed to be removed from card 2720as a single item and conveniently placed on vial 20 other container sothat memory device 60 is placed for optimum reading by reminder 2452 orother reminder or dispenser and section 2722 with appropriate textualinstructional information 2724 is simultaneously attached to vial 20.This prevents the customer from attaching memory device 60 to vial 20and then either losing section 2722 or attaching it to a different vial.Subsection 2728 can be both transparent and adhesive, so that when it isattached to vial 20 any text 52 already printed on label 50 undersubsection 2728 remains readable. The reminder of label 2722 may not beadhesive allowing it to project from vial 20 as a flag.

Alternate Programming of Memory Device 60

In some cases memory device 60 in the form of a RFID tag may already beattached to vial 20 or other containers. When this is the case reader2514 of printer station 2500 can be equipped to write customerpreferences to memory device 60 instead of using printer 2520. Printermay then be used solely to print text 52. In this case reader 2514 canbe a memory device reader and writer. A benefit of using memory RFIDtags is they can be read from and written to wirelessly through visiblyopaque materials, for example when memory device 60 is pre-attached tovial 20 or other container and placed in box 1700. This allows theproduct to be labeled for use without having to be removed from box1700.

When vial 20 has memory device 60 in the form of a RFID tag or otherwireless tag already attached to it, it may be undesirable to program ituntil the medical product 15 has been purchased. This is especiallyimportant to ensure that a customer doesn't write a dosing schedule tomemory device 60 and then decide not to purchase product 15 and returnsit to a shelf. The next customer who selects medical product 15 forpurchase will not be aware that some one else has already programmedmemory device. Should this new customer forget to use printer station25000 to program memory device 60 according to his preferences, he willtake medical product 15 home and use a reminder or dispenser to instructhim to consume it according to the preferences selected by the firstcustomer.

To prevent this, each customer may use printer station 2500 to selectand enter his preferences for medical product 15, but memory device 60is not programmed. Instead medical product identifier 2414 and customeridentifier 2580 (or the like) are transferred to database 1408). Whenthe customer goes to the check out counter, product identifier 2476 ormemory device 60 is read by the cash register. When identifier 2476 isnot unique for each container (e.g. it is not a serial number) acustomer identifier (e.g. identifier 2592) must also be provided to cashregister. The cash register then accesses database 1408 to obtaincustomer profile 2700 for the customer. Finally the cash registerprograms memory device 60 with preferences 2624 by using a RFID tagwriter, for example write 2514.

It should be further understood by the reader that while the inventionhas been has been described in the context of medical product 15purchased from a pharmacy and used with a medical device, it can beapplied to a variety of other products not purchased at a pharmacy.Furthermore reminder device 2424, 2454, 2460 or others can be replacedby a home personal computer (PC), cell phone or personal digitalassistant (PDA) equipped with a tag reader. The PC can use customerpreferences to present information about the product to the customer(e.g. consumption, mixing, usage, or other) or in some cases theinformation can be sent to another machine the customized uses. Forexample instead of medication 15, memory tag can be used with a medicaldevice such as a blood pressure cuff, a scale, a diabetic blood test kitto schedule times when the medical device is to be used. Many of thereminder devices described above can be used to read the memory device60 and schedule alerts at the appropriate time. Custom fields 2626 canbe programmed in memory device or linked to database 1408 to specifyspecific uses of the medical device.

To apprise the public of the scope of the invention, the presentinventor makes the following claims.

1. A method of labeling a medication container, the method comprisingthe steps of: a. providing medication in a container wherein thecontainer includes a label that includes a first indicator wherein thefirst indicator includes at least one of first patient information andfirst prescription dosing information for a specific patient; b.providing a memory device having a second indicator including at leastone of second patient information and second prescription dosinginformation wherein the memory device includes a machine readablecomponent that provides information related to the second prescriptiondosing information; c. comparing the first indicator and the secondindicator to ensure that at least one of the first and second patientinformation correspond and the first and second prescription dosinginformation correspond; and d. attaching the memory device to thecontainer when at least one of the first and second patient informationcorrespond and the first and second prescription dosing informationcorrespond.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein each of the first andsecond indicators includes text representing both common specificmedication information and prescription dosing information.
 3. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the first and second indicators are textrepresenting at least a dosing regimen identifier.
 4. The method ofclaim 1 further including the steps of: a. using a medication remindersystem to obtain information related to the second prescription dosinginformation from the memory device; and b. using the information relatedto the second prescription dosing information obtained by the remindersystem to establish a dosing schedule where the schedule is used toprovide consumption alerts when the medication is to be consumed wherethe alert is based on the automated sensing of a consumption event by asensor of the medication reminder system.
 5. The method of claim 4further including the step of using the dosing schedule to providealerts when a medication is being consumed prematurely before a nextscheduled consumption alert.
 6. The method of claim 1 where in the stepof providing a memory device includes providing a device where themachine readable component includes at least one of an electronic memoryreadable by contact, an electronic memory readable by a wireless reader,and at least one bar code.
 7. The method of claim 1 where the step ofproviding the medication in a container includes a pharmacist providingthe medication, the first and second prescription dosing information,the first indicator, the second indicator and the information related tothe second prescription dosing information.
 8. The method of claim 1where the step of providing the memory device includes the pharmacistpreparing the memory device.
 9. The method of claim 1 where the step ofproviding the memory device includes the pharmacist selecting the memorydevice from a stock of prepared memory devices.
 10. The method of claim1 where the step of providing the memory device further includes acustomer preparing the memory device using personal preferences at apharmacy.
 11. The method of claim 1 where the step of providing thememory device includes a customer selecting the memory device from astock of prepared memory devices.
 12. The method of claim 1 where thestep of attaching the memory device to the container includes attachingthe memory device so the first indicator remains visible.
 13. The methodof claim 1 where the step of attaching the memory device includesattaching the memory device so a medication reminder system can obtainread the information related to the second prescription dosinginformation from the machine readable component, so the first indicatorremains visible, and so normal operation of the container is preserved.14. The method of claim 1 where the step of attaching the memory deviceincludes attaching the memory device to the bottom of the container. 15.The method of claim 1 where the step of providing the memory deviceincludes providing a memory device with a first mechanical feature sothat when the memory device is attached to the container the memorydevice can operate with a second mechanical feature on the medicationreminder system.
 16. The method of claim 10 where the step of providingthe memory device includes the step of using a computer to read amachine readable indicator on the container, using the machine readableindicator to obtain stored medication information from a database andusing the stored medication information to prepare the memory device.17. The method of claim 1 where the step of providing a memory deviceincludes allowing an employee at a retail location to prepare the memorydevice.
 18. The method of claim 1 where the step of providing a memorydevice includes allowing the selection of the memory device from a stockof prepared labels at the retail location.
 19. The method of claim 1where the step of providing a memory device includes the step ofallowing the patient to prepare the memory device by specifying at leastone patient preference at a the retail location.
 20. The method of claim19 where the step of allowing the patient to prepare the memory deviceincludes the step of allowing a generic machine readable memorycomponent on the container to be read by a computer and allowing thecomputer to use the information from the generic machine readable memorycomponent to obtain stored usage information from a database andallowing the stored usage information to be used to prepare the memorydevice.
 21. The method of claim 1 where the step of providing a memorydevice includes the steps of allowing a serial number linked toprescribed dosing regimen stored in a database to be used as theinformation related to the second prescription dosing information andallowing a medication reminder system to obtain the serial number andcommunicate with the database to obtain a prescribed dosing regimen forthe medication.
 22. The method of claim 1 where the step of providing amemory device includes the step of allowing a patient selectedpreference to be recorded in a database so the patient selectedpreference is included in the second prescription dosing informationprovided by the machine readable component.
 23. The method of claim 12wherein at least one of the label and the memory device includes a mainbody portion including one of a flag segment and a transparent segment.24. The method of claim 1 further includes the step of using thecontainer and attached memory device with an automated medicationreminder system.
 25. The method of claim 1 wherein one of the step ofdispensing medication is performed by a pharmacist at a pharmacy andremoving and attaching the memory device to the container is performedby the patient.
 26. A method of labeling a medication container, themethod comprising the steps of: a. dispensing medication for a patientinto a container; b. preparing a sheet with a releasable label and areleasable memory device for the medication container where the memorydevice includes a machine readable memory component; c. printing text onboth the label and the memory device where the text on the labelincludes a first text portion including at least patient information andfirst information related to a dosing regimen prescribed for the patientand the text on the memory device includes a second text portion withsecond information related to the dosing regimen prescribed for thepatient; d. recording to the machine readable component informationrelated to the dosing regimen and information related to at least onepatient preference related to the dosing regimen prescribed by thepatient e. removing the label and attaching the label to the container;and f. removing the memory device and attaching the memory device to thecontainer so the machine readable component is in a position so a sensorof a medication reminder system can obtain the information related tothe dosing regimen information and the information related to thepatient preference prescribed by the patient from the machine readablecomponent when the sensor is proximate the machine readable component.27. The method of claim 26 wherein, prior to the step of attaching thememory device to the container, the method further includes the steps ofcomparing the first text portion and second text portion and determiningthat the first and second text portions match.
 28. The method of claim27 wherein the first and second text portions represent patientinformation and at least one of a medication identifier and a prescribeddosing regimen.
 29. The method of claim 27 wherein the first and secondtext portions related to patient prescribed dosing regimen are textrepresenting a dosing regimen identifier.
 30. The method of claim 26where the steps of attaching the first label and attaching the memorydevice to the container includes the step of positioning the label andmemory device so that the first and second indicators are visible. 31.The method of claim 26 further including the steps of, the medicationreminder system obtaining the information related to the dosing regimenfrom the machine readable component, providing at least a subset of theinformation related to the dosing regimen that is obtained to a remotedatabase and receiving from the remote database dosing information sothe medication reminder system can provide alerts indicating when toconsume the medication.
 32. The method of claim 26 where the step ofremoving the memory device and attaching the memory device to thecontainer further includes the step of attaching the memory device tothe container so that the memory device is in a position and theposition is selected from at least one first position and at least onesecond position wherein, when the container is used with the medicationreminder system, the information recorded by the machine readable memorycomponent can be obtained from the machine readable device by the sensorwhen the machine readable device is in the at least one first positionand the medication information is not obtainable by the sensor when themachine readable device is in the at least one second position.
 33. Themethod of claim 26 where the memory device is a first memory device, thecontainer is a first container, the sensor is a first sensor and thestep of removing the first memory device and attaching the first memorydevice to the container including the step of attaching the first memorydevice to the first container in a designated position, the methodfurther including the steps of dispensing a second medication for apatient into a second container and attaching a second memory device tothe second container where the second memory device includes a secondmachine readable memory component that stores second information relatedto the dosing regimen for the second medication for the patient, themethod further including the steps of positioning the first containerrelative to the first sensor so the first sensor can only obtaininformation from the first machine, readable memory component andpositioning the second container relative to a second sensor of thereminder system so that the second sensor can only obtain informationfrom the second machine readable memory component.
 34. The method ofclaim 26 where the step of recording to the machine readable componentincludes the steps of allowing a serial number linked to the prescribeddosing regimen stored in a database to be used as the informationrelated to the dosing regimen and allowing the medication remindersystem to obtain the serial number and communicate with the database toobtain the prescribed dosing regimen for the medication.
 35. The methodof claim 26 where the step of recording to the machine readablecomponent includes the step of allowing a patient selected preference tobe recoded in a database so the patient selected preference is includedin the dosing regimen that the information of the machine readablecomponent relates to.
 36. The method of claim 31 where the steps ofpositioning the memory device includes allowing at least one of thelabel and the memory device to have a main body with one of a flagsegment and a transparent segment.
 37. The method of claim 26 furtherincludes the step of allowing the medication reminder system to be usedby a customer of the pharmacy.
 38. The method of claim 26 where the stepof dispensing medication is performed by a pharmacist at the pharmacyand the steps of removing and attaching the memory device to thecontainer are performed by the patient.